Playful Sea Lion Boops Camera of Scuba Diver

Sea lions are the clowns of the ocean, often compared with dogs, our loveable companions. They have a similar face and similar behaviour, exhibiting curiosity and a playful nature. And like dogs, they can also show jealousy when they are not given enough attention.
This mischievous sea lion is a young female, comparable to a teenager and she showed up to watch scuba divers who were diving with marine iguanas in the Galapagos Islands. Rare creatures, the iguanas were the centre of attention for the underwater photographers. This sea lion watched them curiously and then decided to get in on the fun by circling around them and inviting them to play. The sea lions are far more agile in the water and they clearly enjoy showing off and reminding humans that they are clumsy and slow in comparison.
The sea lion peers into the camera and then shoots her head forward suddenly, exhaling and making a sound that is very similar to "boo" in human speak. One of the divers caught the interaction face on with his GoPro while his wife caught the side view on her camera.
This sea lion played with them in this way for more than 20 minutes, which actually made them forget about the marine iguanas for the remainder of the dive. Sea lions are among the most adorable creatures in the ocean. The young ones and the females react well to humans, but large, alpha males command respect and divers and swimmers are wise to steer clear, When full grown, the males are territorial and protective of their colony and their turf. And, as always, animals should be given a respectful distance to prevent misunderstandings.