‘Loberto and Zally’: The Children’s Story Inspiring Galápagos Sea Lion Conservation
The Galápagos Marine Reserve is home to various unique species that not only attract thousands of visitors each year but also are crucial to the health of the marine ecosystem. Among these species are the Galápagos sea lion (Zalophus wollebaeki) and the Galápagos fur seal (Arctocephalus galapagoensis), both found only in the Galápagos and both now endangered. These marine mammals face serious threats due to climate change and human activities, particularly in areas near urban centers.
At Galápagos Conservancy, we are committed to supporting local efforts that protect iconic and endangered species like the pinnipeds of Galápagos. To help raise awareness about the need to protect these animals and their habitats, we support pinniped research led by Marjorie Riofrío of the Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ). As part of this initiative, Dr. Riofrío engages the local community on issues of sea lion conservation. Most recently she led the creation of a children’s book titled ‘Loberto and Zally: The Galápagos Sea Lions’, aimed at inspiring readers to protect this species.
The story follows two sea lion siblings, Loberto, a playful pup, and Zally, his curious older sister, as they explore life on San Cristóbal Island, home to the largest sea lion colony in the archipelago. Together, they navigate the challenges of growing up in the Galápagos, discovering their special environment and learning how to survive in a rapidly changing world.
The book was officially launched on San Cristóbal Island with great excitement and will be distributed to 200 students across all schools on the island. Through this educational tool, Marjorie hopes to inspire future generations to take an active role in the conservation of the Galápagos sea lion. “This is more than just a story; it’s an educational resource designed to raise awareness, promote scientific inquiry, and strengthen the bonds between local communities and their environment,” she explained.
Jenny Macías, Galápagos Conservancy’s educational advisor, stressed that this project aligns perfectly with the organization’s goals. “By integrating the book into the Galápagos Contextualized Curriculum, we are inspiring young minds to connect deeply with nature and recognize the urgent need to conserve our valuable marine ecosystem.”
Supporting conservation projects like this is a core part of Galápagos Conservancy’s mission. We congratulate Marjorie Riofrío on the launch of ‘Loberto and Zally’, which will encourage the young people of Galápagos to protect and conserve the iconic and beloved sea lions and fur seals of their home.
