Disneynature’s beautiful documentary, “Sea Lions of the Galapagos”, narrated by Brendan Fraser, follows the amazing journey of a young sea lion named Leo as he grows up and searches for a place to call home.
Long ago, a group of sea lions set off from the west coast of the Americas into the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean. There, they stumbled upon the Galapagos Islands, a paradise, isolated from the outside world. The volcanic islands have been shaped by fire and water, with each island showcasing its unique character and communities of wildlife. Below the ocean’s surface lies a stunning underwater landscape, where the descendants of those early sea lions continue to thrive.
The film starts with a young female named Luna who arrives on shore with her newborn pup, Leo. Sea lions typically have just a single pup, and Leo is her whole world. They spend their first week bonding in a small colony filled with females and their young ones alongside a dominant male. The filmmakers refer to these males as the “Beachmasters.”
Leo, who is the cutest pup around, is eager to explore and learn about his environment. As he embarks on his first swimming lessons, he develops a special bond with his mother, sharing delightful sounds of connection. As Leo gets a little older, the pup gets into some predicements but his mother is usually close by to keep him safe from lurking sharks.
In the Galapagos, the stars here shine brighter than almost anywhere else on Earth. “Sea Lions of the Galapagos” showcases the incredible wildlife of this area, from bright Sally Lightfoot crabs and intriguing swimming iguanas to brown pelicans and scores of fish, while we watch sea lions executing their evolved hunting techniques.
As Leo grows and turns four, he faces the tough reality of being pushed out of the beach where he was raised. The Beachmasters drive off males they see as competition. Leo has to leave behind his mother and a childhood friend named Maya, delving deep into the underwater world. As Leo leaves in search of a home, it becomes apparent that refuge is hard to come by for a young male sea lion.
Leo’s journey unfolds, filled with thrilling adventures and challenges. Finally at 14 years old he establishes his own safe haven away from predators, and it’s truly heartening to witness his success.
“Sea Lions of the Galapagos” features stunning cinematography, showcasing underwater scenes of sea lions frolicking, hunting, and even surfing 8-foot waves. The film crew displays remarkable bravery and is incredibly fortunate to have experienced the beauty of these islands. Don’t miss the behind-the-scenes footage in the film “Guardians of the Galapagos” that highlights the dedication and courage of the filmmakers as they embark on this once in a lifetime expedition. The impacts of human activity and plastic pollution are also explored, showcasing the efforts of those committed to preserving these islands for future generations.
If you and your family enjoy nature documentaries, “Sea Lions of the Galapagos” is a must-see!! It features moments of mild suspense, including one scene where vampire finches feed on the blood of Nazca boobies! Quite gross, but fascinating! This film is a fantastic way to learn about the lively world of Galapagos sea lions but Leo definitely steals the show. He will capture your heat and elicit countless “aww” moments!
SEA LIONS OF THE GALAPAGOS and GUARDIANS OF THE GALAPAGOS are now streaming on Disney+
