In December I spent a day diving the Coronado Islands (Islas Coronado), Baja California in Mexico, home to one of the better California Sea Lion (Zalophus californianus) rookeries within a reasonable drive. The water was off-color so I did not make any beautiful images but I did encounter Cyclops the strange-eyed sea lion. This little guy (gal?) was a pup of the year, old enough to have the courage to meet divers and young enough to be playful and inquisitive. His clear white eyes, with just a hint of pale purple tint, were unlike any pinniped’s eyes I have ever seen before or since. His actions and movement through the water suggested his vision was good. I have no idea what led to his eyes being like this, but I hope they are fine and he has a long successful life since I would like to see and photograph him again. If you love sea lions as much as I do, check out my best images of California sea lions. Cheers and thanks for looking!
California sea lion with strange eyes, Coronados Islands, Baja California, Mexico
Image ID: 35052
Species: California Sea Lion, Zalophus californianus
Location: Coronado Islands (Islas Coronado), Baja California, Mexico
California sea lion, Coronados Islands, Baja California, Mexico
Image ID: 35053
Species: California Sea Lion, Zalophus californianus
Location: Coronado Islands (Islas Coronado), Baja California, Mexico
California sea lion, Coronados Islands, Baja California, Mexico
Image ID: 35054
Species: California Sea Lion, Zalophus californianus
Location: Coronado Islands (Islas Coronado), Baja California, Mexico
California sea lion with strange eyes, Coronados Islands, Baja California, Mexico
Image ID: 35056
Species: California Sea Lion, Zalophus californianus
Location: Coronado Islands (Islas Coronado), Baja California, Mexico
