The Australian Sea Lions are the rarest of their species with only approximately 10,000 to 12,000 in the world. In WA they inhabit Essex Rocks, an island located in one of the largest marine parks in Western Australia. Today I experienced a wonderful swim with these characters. My goodness, they like to have fun! All they want to do is play - either together, or with us land-lubbers.
It was particularly exciting to have a juvenile male sea lion swim with us.
This was well worth the early rise - the freezing air (only 3 degrees as we drove to Jurien Bay!). With a wetsuit and warmer water temp, it was quite bearable - for about half an hour.
We were so blessed that when we arrived at the island, the sea lions were already frolicking around - they had a couple of days of no visitors as it is the quiet season, so I reckon they were super excited to see us.
Everything on their terms, of course. They don't have any concept of personal space at all. So, although we are not allowed to touch them, it is quite common for them to really get in close.
I'm super grateful to two of the other swimmers who took some photos, and generously shared. The last two photos are from the tour guide website: https://www.turquoisesafaris.com.au/sea-lion-tour/
Playing "Chasee"
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