Puerto Egas, Part II

I got a real treat at Puerto Egas when another member of our shore excursion spotted a young Galápagos Sea Lion pup. I spent about 15 minutes just carefully following it around as it meandered around the beach. It seemed to spend most of its time struggling or sleeping, which I can completely relate to.

The pup looked so pathetic and hapless, I was a little concerned that it had lost its mother.

But it soon began doing a bit of exploring on its own.

Its tiny flippers were pretty adorable.

And it was learning how to pick its teeth with those flippers!  Nice.

I didn't even realize sea lions had nictitating membranes until I reviewed these pics.

Struggling a little on the rocks...

... and then another brief siesta.

It seemed to find just the spot for a good scratch.

I'm always grateful for the opportunity to watch young animals discover their way in the world!