Dogs, cats, and now sea lions? Yes, sea lions also love to boop!
In a fascinating encounter off the coast of the West Falkland Islands, a young South American sea lion (Otaria flavescens) approached a group of divers, including photographer Patrick Webster from the US. The playful sea lion curiously poked and booped the divers, showing a keen interest in their presence. Webster managed to capture a perfect image of this interaction during the hour-long observation of the energetic and inquisitive sea lion.
Describing the experience, Webster said, “Initially intrigued by the vibrant sea forest in the West Falkland archipelago, my dive buddies and I found ourselves in the spotlight of a passing pride of sea lions. A lively young male, with endearing scars on his face akin to adolescent acne, displayed a forward personality as he investigated us. He poked, prodded, and playfully interacted with us, trying to understand the bubble-making creatures in his underwater domain.”
Webster’s photograph, titled “A Frondly Snoot Boop,” won third place in the Portrait category at the prestigious Underwater Photographer of the Year 2025 awards.
