Hookers Sea Lion Calls Waipapa Point Southland New Zealand
Photo & Vacation Spot

Two Hookers Sea Lions spend time in the sun on the beach at Waipapa Point in the Catlins in Southland, New Zealand, one of them showing us the bright pink coloring on the inside of his mouth while making loud barking calls.

New Zealand Sea Lions or Hookers Sea Lions find the rugged coastline at Waipapa Point in the Catlins in Southland, New Zealand a favorite place to lounge about. As one Sea Lion rests, a male makes his loud calls to ensure everyone in the area can hear him and will know to keep their distance.

As the male Hookers Sea Lion opens his mouth to release his calls, one can see the bright pink coloring on the roof of its mouth and the sharp teeth protruding from the lower jaw. Generally calm animals, the male species can become aggressive with other males when trying to defend their territory.

The Hookers Sea Lions are one of the rarest and most endangered type of sea lions and were placed on the New Zealand's Marine Mammals Protection Act in 1997. While traveling along the Catlin's Highway in Southland, New Zealand, be sure to keep your distance from these massive animals or their calls and strength will immediately send you running.

New Zealand Sea Lions (also known as Hooker's Sea Lions), Phocarctos hookeri, along the beach at Waipapa Point in the Catlins along the Catlin's Highway, Southern Scenic Route, Southland, South Island, East Coast, New Zealand.