Like humans, New Zealand sea lion/pakake individuals exhibit different personalities and behavioural traits. Some sea lion individuals are more curious and energetic (typical among juveniles), while others are more placid and nonchalant (typical among mature adults). When out doing sea lion monitoring, I see some individuals often, because they have favourite hang out spots. This is common among philopatric species, who return to give birth where they were born. Then there’s Tāne, Mr Independent. Alongside the Department of Conservation and the New Zealand Sea Lion Trust, I helped to tag him in February 2023, and have seen him every four – six months since, when he returns home from an overseas experience.
Photo: Tāne at 21-months old by Sian Mair. Taken from 10 meters away and zoomed in on.