California sea lions are among the most commonly exhibited marine mammals, but their welfare requires moving beyond entertainment-focused management to authentic behavioural needs.
Sea lion welfare in captivity depends critically on how training and enrichment are managed. Performance-based routines using positive reinforcement can provide cognitive engagement, but shows designed primarily for audience entertainment rather than animal wellbeing may compromise welfare. Animals trained with aversive methods or food deprivation suffer. Pools that are too small, too warm, or socially inappropriate cause chronic stress. Animals that cannot control their social interactions with aggressive tankmates experience persistent anxiety. The most welfare-positive captive sea lion environments provide choice, cognitive challenge, appropriate social grouping, and veterinary care that maintains physical health without the chronic pathologies common in poorly managed facilities.