Sea Lions

Dive into fun at our new California sea lion habitat. This dynamic new habitat replaces the Zoo’s historic 1987 sea lion home and features upgrades for both the animals and our guests.

California sea lions, native to the western coasts of Canada, the U.S., and Latin America, are famous for their playful personalities and lively group gatherings. This species has been part of our animal family for over 100 years, and now they’ve got a fresh space that’s as vibrant and fun as they are.

Their new habitat features a brand-new saltwater and temperature-controlled pool system designed for optimal sea lion health. A colorful fishing village-style exterior evokes Pacific coastal communities where sea lions and humans share space. The newly designed behind-the-scenes buildings and pools give our Animal Care team and pinnipeds more room for enrichment, training, and social time. Out in the main pool, sea lions have plenty of room to splash, play, and soak up the sun on beaches and docks.

Guests can now get up close and underwater with our 16-foot acrylic viewing window, offering an incredible look at sea lion life below the surface. Don’t miss the excitement above the water too! Head to the upper pool viewing area for daily sea lion demonstrations at 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., where our care team shares amazing stories about sea lion training and caring for the individual sea lions who call Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance their home.

Key Features

Go Nose-to-Nose Below the Surface

Come face-to-face with sea lions through a 16-foot acrylic viewing window, where you can watch them dive, spin, and glide in their underwater world. This unforgettable feature was made possible by the generous support of the Koelbel Family Foundation.

Catch the Action—Coastal Style

From the colorful backdrop of Schlessman Shores to daily demos on the upper deck, there’s action all around. Just behind the scenes, sea lions enjoy expert care at The Anschutz Foundation Sea Lion Island, where enrichment and wellness take center stage.