Standing Steller sea lion, Marine Mammal Skeleton Project, UBC
The carcass of this large male steller sea lion was found near the mouth of Cluxewe River on Vancouver Island , B.C. in 2005. The cause of death was likely old age and the skeleton tells an interesting story with advanced osteoporosis and a broken phalange in its right hind flipper along with a rib that was broken in youth and never healed.
This skeleton has been floor mounted on an internal steel armature using custom stainless fittings where metal is visible. He has been captured lifting his imposing upper torso off the rocks and out to sea bellowing to others who might dare to approach. It is held within the University of British Columbia's Skeleton Project collection.
Photos (clockwise from top left): right front flipper; hyoid apparatus; skull from left; jaws from front; view from front; upper teeth; lumbar vertebrae;
view from left; thoracic cavity from front; open jaws (centre photo)
view from left; thoracic cavity from front; open jaws (centre photo)
Skeletons > Steller sea lion (standing)
