Yesterday marked 51 consecutive days that Queen Latifah has hauled out. As long as she has safe refuge and a food source who knows how long she will continue to use the City side rocks! She has been a tremendous ambassador for all pinnipeds (Latin for “winged foot” ) in this highly trafficked location. And since the sea lions swim by on a regular basis, onlookers have learned the many differences between harbor seals and sea lions - in addition to the behavior and biology of seal pups. Many people had the misconception that the sea lions who haul out on the Elliott Bay buoy were related to Latifah. Not only are they a different species, but they’re all males. For in-depth information on seals and sea lions, please visit our website.

Latifah is looking a bit thinner, so we did some health assessment photos and video (with an extreme telephoto) to see if the lesions on her mouth are getting worse. She’s been doing alot of scratching and pawing at her mouth over the last weeks so the sores are obviously bothering her. However, she is one alert pup as auto traffic, seagulls and helicopters bustle above her and seems in overall good health.

Tags: Queen Latifah