Meeting the complex physical and social needs of sea lions in zoological and aquarium settings.
Sea lion captive welfare has improved substantially as institutions have moved from small performance tanks to large naturalistic habitats with deep pools, beach areas, and complex social groupings. However, the species' wide-ranging nature and high intelligence mean that even well-designed facilities struggle to fully meet their needs. Show-based programs remain controversial, with evidence that poorly structured performances create stress while well-designed training sessions provide enrichment. The conservation education value of captive sea lions is disputed, adding complexity to the justification question.