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2016 Wildlife Photo Contest

California Sea Lion, Baja California Sur, Mexico
Just Popped Up to Say Hello

Species: California Sea Lion | Location: Baja California Sur, Mexico

This photo was taken while I was in Cabo San Lucas with my family. On the last day of our trip, we chartered a boat to see if we could find grey whales. As we passed the Cabo Arch, we saw a colony of sea lions lounging on the rocks. On our way back toward land, we had a couple of fish on board and this curious sea lion suddenly popped his head up in our boat's wake to see if he could get some food.

About The Photographer

Cropped mattcroteauxheadshot

I've been enamored by the natural world since I can remember. A few years ago, I discovered my passion for capturing the beauty of our world through photography. My goal is to convey the beauty, personality, and fragility of wildlife through my photographs and hopefully inspire a new appreciation for the animals we share this planet with.

Check out Matt’s photography website: mattballen.com
Follow Matt on Instagram: @mattballen
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WWF & Natural Habitat Adventures. Discovering Our Planet Together.

Since 2003, Natural Habitat Adventures has partnered with World Wildlife Fund, the world’s leading environmental conservation organization, to offer conservation travel—sustainable travel that supports the protection of nature and wildlife. Nat Hab has provided more than $4 million to WWF and will continue to give 1 percent of gross sales plus $150,000 annually through 2023 in support of WWF’s mission to conserve nature and reduce the most pressing threats to the diversity of life on Earth.

Learn more about the Nat Hab/WWF partnership.