Reserva de lobos marinos del puerto de Mar del Plata, Sea lion reserve in Mar del Plata, Argentina.
The Sea Lion Reserve is a protected area within Mar del Plata's port that is home to a large colony of South American sea lions. The habitat stretches along the port zone with several vantage points where visitors can observe the animals in their natural setting.
The port of Mar del Plata was developed in the 1920s and quickly attracted sea lions drawn by fishing vessels. The animals established themselves permanently and were eventually protected by law.
The South American sea lions here are named for their ability to walk on land using their flippers. Today they are woven into the daily rhythm of the port, where locals and visitors routinely watch them.
Morning and early afternoon visits tend to be best when the sea lions are more active. Access is straightforward by car or public transit to the port area, and you can walk to the marked observation points.
The colony here is the northernmost population of this species in Argentina and consists primarily of males. This unusual composition makes it an anomaly that intrigues researchers.
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