What is the difference between a harbor seal and a sea lion?      Harbor seals are quite different from sea lions.  Harbor seals are "true seals", lacking external ear flaps like those on sea lions. Also, harbor seals swim using their hind flippers whereas sea lions use their front flippers ro peopel them through the water.  Unlike sea lions who can rotate their hind flippers underneath them to walk, harbor seals instead must flop along on their belly to move on land. Harbor seals can also live in much harsher climates than sea lions.  They can build up near 80lbs of body fat to insulate them in arctic waters.

Meet the Harbor Seals:    The Aquarium of Niagara is currently home to two Pacific (Lucy and Sandy) and one Atlantic harbor seal (Clarisse). They live year round in the outdoor pool visible from the observation path near the aquarium's entrance.  Click on the links below to learn more information on each of the harbor seals, including photos of each!

Lucy

Sandy

Clarisse
 

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