Odor discrimination in terrestrial and aquatic environments in California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) living in captivity

Pinnipeds, as any mammal species, use multimodal signals, including olfactory ones, to ensure vital functions. Thus, some pinniped species seem able olfaction in both social and foraging contexts discriminate between different odors air natural artificial odors, but studies on that topic remain scarce. Here, we studied the capabilities of California sea lions living captivity at La Flèche Zoo (France) terrestrial aquatic environments. We used two categories odors: (from familiar individuals same group, unfamiliar from another Zoo, animal zookeepers a carnivore) non-social (food identified repellents certain vertebrates). Several behavioral parameters were measured analyzed number duration contact with odor, mouth openings, vocalizations (air only) bubble production (water only). Our results, although limited by low animals monitored (n = 5), suggest are under water. In environment, process allowing perception remains be characterized. Applications this work could considered captive conditions well wild.