News and Information about Sea Lion Caves http://www.sealioncaves.com/ Thu, 29 Jul 2010 22:44:00 http://76.12.54.62/news/article-32 Oregon is home to one of the most successful examples of private wildlife conservation in the country. A familiar family stop on Route 101 between Newport and Florence, the Sea Lion Caves has been operated as a family-owned, for profit business since 1932. It receives 200,000 visitors a year, is home to an average of 200 Northern, or Steller, sea lions, and serves as the only mainland breeding and wintering area for these mammals. Over the past century, man has been the primary predator of the sea lion. Lacking commercial value themselves, sea lions were thought to pose a threat to the commercially valuable salmon industry by feeding on the salmonids and disrupting the salmon runs. They also damaged fishing nets and equipment. By the end of the 19th century, the commercial fishing industry had begun hiring sea lion bounty hunters. In 1920 our legislature asked the State Fish Commission to exterminate the entire popular of seal and sea lions along the Oregon Coast, which was estimated to be about 3,000. A bounty of $5 each was placed on the animals. The aptly named William Hunter, who is reported to have killed some 10,000 seals and sea lions along the Oregon and Washington coasts from 1914-1920, became the chief bounty hunter and collected $5,000 in 1921 alone. In 1927, while the State of Oregon was paying for the slaughter of sea lions and seals, R.E. Clanton purchased Americas largest sea cave with plans to open it as a business. Sea Lion Caves opened five years later. The original and subsequent owners spent much of their time driving off the bounty hunters. Over time, and under pressure from conservationist and tourism promoters, Oregon revised is sea lion policy. Indeed, today it is illegal to kill or harass marine mammals, and the Steller Sea Lions in residence at the Sea Lion Caves are now listed as a threatened species. Regardless of official government policy, the Sea Lion Caves have maintained a role of private stewardship for the last 68 years. Mindful that their profitability depends on the presence of the animals, the owners take every precaution against disrupting the natural habitat. Thus, tourists are fenced out at a distance close enough for viewing, while the animals are free to come and go, unlike in an aquarium or zoo. Further, maintenance and improvements are undertaken only when the wildlife will not be disturbed. The careful stewardship at the Sea Lion Caves has paid off: the population of the Steller Sea Lion along the Oregon coast has increased from 1,000 in 1964 to approximately 4,000 today. Given the bounty placed on the sea lions heads at the beginning of this century, the current owners are especially proud of what has been accomplished - practicing conservation well before it became fashionable and well before the caves began to turn a profit. The Sea Lion caves demonstrate that making a living and preserving wildlife can be compatible. http://76.12.54.62/news/article-33 Have you seen the sea lions? One of Oregons premier attractions rated with Mount Hood, Carter Lake and Oregon Caves are the Sea Lion Caves, located on the Oregon coast, 13 miles north of Florence. Half a million people have become familiar with Sea Lion Caves since they were opened to the public in 1932. They came from every state in the union, with Oregon in the minority, and from every country in the world. The attractive caves office is perched high on the rock cliff above the caves, adjacent to the Oregon Coast Highway, and its picture windows offer a panorama of the sea On clear days one can see Cape Blanco, the most westerly point in the United States, 90 miles to the south, and ships out at sea 35 to 50 miles; while to the north, scarcely a mile away, looms the beautiful promontory on which is located Heceta Lighthouse. Leading directly from the ticket office are stairs to the forked trail that winds down the cliff to the caves below. Our party arrived first at the "lookout" on the left fork of the trail. Below us on the ledges were sea lions of all sizes from bulls of more than a ton in weight, bellowing at the ocean waves, to tiny mites weighing probably 30 pounds, who were squealing and nuzzling up to their mothers. Their coats were all colors from a glistening dark brown to a light buff. They were magnificent creatures. We were reluctant to leave this fascinating vantage point, yet anxious to see what lay beyond. Quite an improvement over the hand over-hand descent down a ....(missing text) sea lions are massed in the throne room. On an average day, as when we visited, there were probably 700 sea lions in the caves and several hundred more on the ledges. During the breeding season, the surplus males are ejected from the caves and gradually move back by late June or July. The lions are known as Steller Sea Lions, named for the German naturalist who accompanied the Bering expedition which sailed from Peter-and-Paul in Kamchatka in 1741. They are carnivorous, feeding on sluggish fish and octopi, according to the naturalists, who are in disagreement with the fishermen, necessitating a protected zone being set up in the vicinity of the caves. Recently, at Devils Churn, Heceta Head, two sports fisherman witnessed a fish story that topped any they could tell. A large sea lion was seen to dive into a wave and come up with a large fish crosswise in its mouth. Tossed playfully into the air, the fish plummeted head down into the powerful jaws awaiting to devour it, and disappeared with one gulp. Commercial trawlers complain that because of the sea lions much valuable gear is lost, for once a sea lion comes along side to rob a fish line, tackle accompanies the loot, which disappears with one mighty lunge. Sea Lions are not the only attraction to the caves. Birds, guillemots, sea parrots, murres, cranes and sea birds wrest their living from the waves, soaring to their young with fish almost their own size in their beaks. Yellowish strata adorn the walls like festooned drapery and odd pictures can be traced, a hunter and his dog, a bull frog, Indian maiden, a fish head, and endless fantasies appear to the individual seeker, in the ever changing light. The sea lions remain the premier attraction, and they put on an entertaining show accompanied by their own private choral group, whose organ-like and deafening bellows are apparently music to their ears. At least one individualist all dressed up in a toilet seat collar applauds the din with insistent flapping of its fins. The Swiss government was so impressed they made a recording to play in their native land, where sea lions, like the ?Swiss Navy? are unknown. by Genevieve Morgan 1949-11-13 00:08:00 http://76.12.54.62/news/article-34 Oregons Governor Barbara Roberts called Sea Lion Caves "a rare wildlife viewing opportunity" that is "visitor friendly." As expressed in a letter of appreciation, the Governor noted that this year marks the 60th anniversary for Sea Lion Caves since opening for visitors in August 1932. In her letter, the Governor commended Sea Lion Caves for its contribution towards "bringing out-of-state visitors and Oregonians alike" to the Coast. "On behalf of all Oregonians," the Governor wrote, "please accept our appreciation for your efforts in maintaining this wonderful natural resource." Governor Roberts further characterized Sea Lion Caves as representing "a valuable state tourism asset which should continue to draw visitors in increasing numbers in the future." Situated north of Florence midway on the Oregon coast, the sea cave was discovered by Captain William Cox in 1880, and in 1887 he acquired it from the State of Oregon. Later his heirs sold the property, and since the early thirties, the same three families have owned and operated the attraction. The sea cave is considered to be one of the largest in the world. With rock ledges outside, it is today the only known year-round home for Steller Sea Lions remaining on the North American mainland. In observance of the 60th year as a privately owned business, Hod Johnson, general manager, stated "We wish to reiterate the firm policy of the owners and managers of Sea Lion Caves. We shall continue to preserve Sea Lion Caves for the enjoyment of people from all over the world. We shall protect this unique natural resource as a sanctuary for sea lions and variety of seabirds. They must always be able to live here in the wild, undisturbed by human activities." 1992-02-22 00:08:00 http://76.12.54.62/news/article-35 The wind-blown fog was cold and damp, but the praise for Ken Scotts huge bronze sea lion sculpture and the people who founded and developed the Sea LIon Caves as warm and effusive at a celebration of the 50th anniversary of the caves Thursday. About 200 people were on hand to watch Gov. Vic Atiyeh and his wife, Dolores, unveil the big sculpture which depicts a life-size sea lion family. The new piece of art, reputed to be the largest bronze sculpture in Oregon, received a rousing ovation from the crowd assembled on the cliff-side dedication site outside the Sea Lion Caves building 15 miles north of Florence. Visitors marveled over the size of the animals, their natural appearance and the dignity and family affection portrayed in the sculpture. The sculpture cost about $75,000 and tool Scott nearly a year to create. It was cast by Maiden Bronze Inc. of Sandy. A smiling Scott posed for photos with the Governor and other dignitaries, handed out business cards and joked about the new process he used to create the caterpillar crawling on one of the bronze sea lion flippers. by Larry Bacon 1882-01-01 00:08:00 http://76.12.54.62/news/article-36 Why is a sea lion called that? It certainly does not look like a lion. In fact is looks more like a bear than any other land animal I can think of. E.S. Astoria. Origin of common names given to animals, birds and fish is difficult to figure out in many cases. In addition, the names differ, in many cases, from locale to locale, and the names may change with time. But, as for the sea lion, the International Oceanographic Foundation reports that the words "sea lion" was first used to describe one species. In the Maine Mammals of the Northwestern Coast of North America, published in San Francisco in 1874, C.M. Scammon described the species thusly: "The first named genus has a short, rounded head, prominent eyes, and a shaggy mane which imparts a resemblance o the king of beasts; hence, the appropriate name sea lion which was given it when first describe." Notes IOF, the description should probably be applied to the species Eumetropias jubatu, the latter word meaning having mane like a lion. It adds "The word ursnus means bear, and there is a sea lion named Callorhinus ursinus." The scientist who first described this species would agree with you in thinking that at least this particular species looks more like a bear than a lion. If you want to make up your own mind about how the Oregon and Washington sea lions look, the best place to observe the creatures probably is in the Sea Lion Caves on the Oregon Central Coast. by Eric Goranson, Journal Staff Writer http://76.12.54.62/news/article-37 At a time when many Oregon Coast businesses are working at plugging financial dikes to stay alive, Sea Lion Caves has recently celebrated its fiftieth anniversary by unveiling a life-sized bronze sculpture of a sea lion family near the head trail leading to the entry of the unique exhibit. Manager Steve Saubert, grandson of one of the original operators, acknowledges theirs is an attraction with a built-in success factor. The majestic cavern at the base of the 325-foot headland eight miles north of Florence - two acres of stone "floors" and tumbled ledges beneath a 125-foot natural rock dome, inhabited by hundreds of sea lions - is recognized internationally as one of the worlds greatest marine grottos. But there is another significant element in the success story: a quality of caring which encompasses every phase of the operation. The owners have been dedicated to protecting the ecological balance of the wildlife of the cave since its purchase in the 1920s from the estate of Captain William Cox, who discovered it in 1880. And from the beginning, they held a vision of developing and preserving it for the enjoyment of the public. When, in 1977, a movement started to place the cave under state jurisdiction, a grateful public responded decisively in favor of leaving the natural attraction in private ownership. Then-governor Robert Straub concurred: "I am proud that here in Oregon a private organization has shown that it can . . . develop and protect such a great natural resource and attraction - and still show a profit." "In a way it made us feel good that the state was considering taking it over," Saubert says. "They had financial resources to develop programs that still years in the future for us. Yet we are happy that the people felt we were the ones to continue to manage it." And he adds, "But keeping it in perspective, the state had never shown a prior interest in maintaining the resource. They didnt want a building here. The state paid a bounty on sea lions until the late Fifties.? One perennial bounty hunter collected the annual limit of $10,000 for several years running. "We feel it might not be here at all as far as the public is concerned if we hadnt been operating it." The rope ladder entrance No one on the coast had ever heard of a "tourist attraction" in 1929 when the original partners dropped a rope ladder over a cliff to a primitive footbridge leading to the north entrance, inviting courageous visitors to view the sea lions up close for 25 cents. The coast highway was far from completion; the graceful bridges that eventually connected the sections, opening the coast to full-length motor travel, were still 10 years in the future. After a highway blasting crew accidentally destroyed the cliff the state was required by law to furnish an alternate access to the caves. An agreement was reached to allow overlapping of the caves owners parking turnouts with the state right-of-way which separated the headland from the owners other holdings on the east side of the road, and they were allowed to build on the present site on the headland. Profits, slow to develop during the 1930s depression, have since increased steadily to show a gross income of over $1 million in 1981. Too many restrictions "Thank goodness the families had the vision to hand on to their dream," Saubert comments. "It would be impossible to build this building today, on this site, on this side of the highway. There are just too many restrictions." The present building was erected in 1938 to replace the original, exactly like it, which was destroyed by fire. "Were always batting around the issue of a new building," Saubert says. "But wed have to get permits from 25 to 30 different government agencies just to get started. Its particularly hard to get approval for water and sewage plans in scenic areas now." Also, there is a reluctance on the part of the owners to disturb the image of the coast they like to project. "Most people come here seeking the quieter, slower pace of an earlier day. A slick new building would be easier to maintain, cheaper to operate - but the nostalgic atmosphere would be shattered." The owner families began work on the cliff trail by hand and boxing in the 125-foot wooden staircase at the north entrance; pouring a concrete foundation (still in use) from the headland above; doing virtually all of the work themselves. By 1932, when the attraction was opened formally, dissension was growing among the owners - R.E. Clanton, J.G. Houghton and J.E. Jacobson. Two years later a "mutual agreement" sale was held on the steps of the Lane County Courthouse in Eugene, and Sauberts grandfather, R.A. Saubert, acquired Clanton?s interest. Sea Lion Caves has been in operation continuously since that time, except for two years during World War II. Following the war, sons of the original operators took over management and, with post-war prosperity, it became a star coastal attraction. The elevator is built Increasing business made the need for easier access obvious, and in 1958 construction was begun on the elevator. Saubert still shakes his head in wonder at the magnitude of the project. "Two pressing concerns limited blasting and drilling: first, the dome is formed by the juncture of two earth faults; second, the animals are extremely sensitive to noise and vibration. In addition, when we were advertising the cave all over the country, we felt an obligation to stay open for those who came, at least during the summer season." Construction was limited to April and May, when the sea lions normally breed outside the rocks; and was further restricted to the days when animals left the cave voluntarily. Drilling which should have taken roughly two weeks extended over two years, with water seepage a continuing problem. The $180,000 elevator, specially designed by Otis Elevator Company to resist salt and moisture, was put into use the summer of 1961. it accommodates the 200,000 annual visitors at the rate of 400 an hour. A major employer Sea Lion Caves is one of the few private commercial enterprises on the Oregon coastline; only 27 miles of approximately 400 are in private ownership. It is also one of the coasts prime employers Assistant manager Horace "Hod" Johnson is in charge of personnel. "We offer excellent first jobs to students," he points out. "We give them training, even for three-month summer work; and we pay better than average entry-level wages." Johnson, who was employed as a "cave slave" himself during high school and college, returned permanently in 1968, the same year Saubert took over as manager. They compliment each other well. "We try to be considerate of our employees," Johnson says. "For instance, we interview and hire during spring vacation. Its easier for those students who know theyll have summer jobs, and easier for us to have our help lined out ahead of time." Although their business was down 10 percent from the year before (far less than the 25-30 percent average reported across the coast) they plan to maintain their work force at 45 persons, and possibly add a few. "We believe when business is slow, its time to expand when possible," Johnson says. "Too many businesses down here are cutting back on advertising now. Were increasing ours by 25 percent." He feels people on the coast take it for granted that they "live in the greatest area of the greatest state in the nation," and that travelers will come as a matter of course to see what they offer. "The truth is, every state has unique attractions, and were going to have to let people know about the wonders of Oregon if we want them to come here." The owners see Sea Lion Caves as part of the state community of business. "We try to b good neighbors," Steve Saubert says. "When we advertise the cave, were also advertising Oregon. It helps us all." The widespread national response to the publicity generated by the unveiling of the $75,000 Ken Scott sea lion sculpture supports his convictions. Energy costs triple Advertising is expensive, but payroll, insurance and taxes are the Big Three at the top of the expense column. Energy is taking its toll. Electrical bills that have hovered for years at $350 for peak months now top $1,000 monthly. Shoplifting creates pernicious expense currently amounting to $15,000 a year. Still, in spite of escalating costs and increasing governmental restrictions, the caves are kept open to the public seven days a week the year around, except for Christmas. "We could close November 1 and open April 1 and make money," both Saubert and Johnson agree. But they feel a commitment to remain open for retired people and those in seasonal industries who often travel in off-season months. "We want them to come, and we know they will come if were open to receive them." That sincerity and caring and optimistic attitude have paid off in the publics enjoyment of this Oregon Coast nature exhibit seems obvious. That is has also paid off for Sea Lion Caves where is counts - in profits - is an interesting dividend. by Marje Blood Marje Blood is a free lance writer from Eugene. 1983-05-01 00:08:00 http://76.12.54.62/news/article-38 The West Coast has more seals and sea lions than was thought. Earlier estimates were based on observations t only a few places. The new figures come from a comprehensive count made by Bruce Mate, Oregon State University oceanographer and international authority on marine mammals. Findings will also provide valuable management guidelines for the future. In a small rented plane, Mate flew the full length of the West Coast 11 times (from upper Canada to central Mexico), taking pictures monthly of seals and sea lions along the shore line and on offshore islands. This work took 1,100 hours of flying time, covered 90,000 miles, and produced 12,000 photos and slides from which seal-sea lion counts were made. The study, started in 1974, produced these findings: 1. The harbor seal population was counted at 12,000. This is three times the total that had been projected from earlier estimates and counts made at only a few sites along the coast. 2. The count of 88,000 California sea lions was twice previous estimates. Big seasonal differences in numbers were noted at various sites. Largest numbers were counted during the breeding season (June and July) in southern California and Mexico, when mature animals are found ashore. During the non-breeding season, males undertake an unexplained northward migration all the way up into Canada. 3. The northern (or Steller) sea lion count was just over 5,000. This is similar to historical estimates, but the southern extent of the species range is shrinking to the north. All three mammals are found along the Oregon Coast, Mate noted. The northern sea lion breeds along the Oregon Coast. It is seen at the Sea Lions Cave and from state parks, particularly a Cape Arago, near Coos Bay, in the late spring and through the summer. Larger numbers are found in Alaska, where a quarter of a million are estimated to live. The harbor seal also breed off Oregon but can be more elusive, says Mate. It can be found in most estuaries and on many offshore rocks. The animals seem to be getting more numerous in the Columbia River and some other Oregon rivers. They can be seen at low tide in Tillamook, Netarts, Siletz, Alsea, Winchester and Coos bays as well as the Columbia and Rogue Rivers. The California sea lions come to Oregon in the fall and winter from their June-July breeding spots in southern California and Baja, Mexico. Smallest of the sea lions, it is known for its bark and for its talent as a trained circus and carnival animal. The first-ever comprehensive census of this species by Mate also showed some changes taking place in the distribution of the seals and sea lions. The Steller sea lion population, for example, was found not to be breeding in some of its historic southern areas. The reason is unknown, but may be related to competition from California sea lions, says Mate. Interactions of the species have also been spelled out better than ever before by the study, the scientist added. "Seals and sea lions mix much of the year but stay in separate, discrete colonies at mating times," Mate observed. All are members of the family known scientifically as pinnipeds. Walruses are also pinnipeds, but are not found in the OSU research area. "Theres an easy way to tell seals from sea lions," says Mate. "Sea Lions walk on all four flippers and have external ears. Seals drag their hind flippers on land and are without external ears." Despite widespread interest in seals and sea lions, "very few studies have been made on entire species populations and migrations," it was noted. Mate ranks as one of leading researchers in the world on marine mammals, having published extensively on the subject. "All seals and sea lions have one pup a year," he continued. "Twins are very rare. Seals can give birth in water. Their pups are instant swimmers. Sea lion babies doesnt know how to swim very well at birth, however, and stay close to mother for quite a while. They may suckle for periods up to one year." The largest of the pinnipeds is the elephant seal. Some have been reported to be as long as 22 feet and to weigh more than two tons. They are concentrated from San Francisco to the middle of Baja, Mexico. Mate?s special study ?found? them in some places where they had not been reported before, including some new breeding areas. ?It was the first time some areas had been looked at in a serious, scientific way,? he stated. An official count of elephant seals was not announced because ?the circumstances under which we surveyed that area didn?t provide a meaningful figure,? Mate said. The numbers are estimated in the 30,000-65,000 range. Elephant seals almost became extinct during the late 1800?s, Mate said. Because they do not flee when approached by man, whalers hunted elephant seals for their high grade and yield of oil. Now the elephant seals and other marine mammals are protected by the Marine Protection Act in the U.S. and by Mexican laws. Mate?s research was supported by the national Marine Mammal Commission, established in 1972, to encourage research on marine mammals and to develop wise management programs, and by the Marine Mammal Division of the National Marine Fisheries Service. In his combined role as scientist-pilot-photographer, Mate also made some ?opportunistic observations? of whales, porpoises and dolphins, which make up the ocean family called cetaceans. ?But there hasn?t been time to put that information together yet,? he said. The seal-sea lion count was made in ?painstaking fashion,? he observed. The photos and slides were mostly taken of breeding ?rookeries? and ?hauling? areas, place where seals and sea lions rest out of the water. The photos-slides were then projected onto a screen and the marine mammals counted one by one after each months flight. Robin Brown, a master?s degree candidate in oceanography, assisted in this phase of the project. Mate soon found that to avoid disturbing and scattering the seals-sea lions, the plane had ?to come in flat? without making turns or dives increase motor noise. He flew at heights of 500-800 feet. Plane speeds of about 90 miles an hours allowed him to take a sequence of photos out of the open window. ?It?s the only way an accurate count can be made over a large area in a short time,? Mate stated. Null 1978-02-21 00:08:00 http://76.12.54.62/news/article-39 High on a rocky, windswept bluff 11 miles north of Florence stands a small white building. It perches on the edge of the slope, which drops off abruptly to the Pacific Ocean below. A large sign across the top of the building tells motorists coming from north and south along U.S. 101 that this is "Sea Lions Cave." This year, about 200,000 people are expected to visit the cave, where the sea lions take refuge for nine or ten months of the year. Adults will pay $2 each to visit the cave 300 feet below. Their children between six and twelve years of age will pay $1. And those under six will be admitted for free. When its all added up, it amounts to quite a sum. Sea lions have become big business. But there would be no sea lions if the cave didnt exist. It is a gift from Mother Nature, who carved it out in ageless action millions of years ago. She was the designer and architect of this huge domed cavern where the sea comes booming in to froth among the rocks where the sea lions idle away their days. The experts say the cave was there long before there were mammals. Geologists say that the rugged Oregon coastline was formed by vast eruptions of molten lava that poured into the Pacific Ocean eons ago. And those early internal upheavals created the massive slopes and steep rocky shoulders of igneous rock and basalt that hold back the Pacific Ocean along Oregons coast. But they were not impervious, not in all places. As they cooled, fissures developed. Some of them filled with softer rock. For millions of years, the Pacific lapped at them. In time the rocks crumbled, and were ground to sand by the persistent sea. As they gave way, cavities appeared. One of those cavities became Sea Lions Cave, a natural haven scoured out long before any of the big mammals were around to enjoy it. Just when they appeared on the prehistoric horizon cannot be accurately determined. But they have certainly been around longer than the people who now come to stare at them from behind a tight wire fence. It may not be historically correct, but a local sea captain by the name of William Cox is given credit for discovering the cave in 1880, less than 100 years ago. He is said to have discovered the cave on a calm day when he paddled a small boat into the caves western entrance. Legend has is that returned a number of times to examine it more closely. On one occasion, according to local historians, he was trapped by a storm and had to remain there for several days. Since there was no food available, he shot a young sea lion and feasted upon the meat of its flippers. This particular piece of real estate apparently fascinated the captain, because he bought the land containing the caves from the state of Oregon in 1887. From them until 1926, he or his heirs owned the land, but none of them made any effort to develop the cave. Commercially, the land returned nothing but wool and mutton produced by the sheep that grazed upon the steep and rocky headlands. Then came a visionary. R.E. Clanton was his name. In 1927, he bought the land, which included the Sea Lions Cave, for the sole purpose of developing it into a tourist attraction. It was considered a foolhardy venture. His friends told him so. U.S. 101 wouldnt be built for several more years, and the only access to the cave was a gravel road. But the retired state fish warden from Portland was determined. In his mind, the vision burned bright. Others also became interested. Two men decided to pool their resources and in 1930 they formed a partnership with Clanton. One was Gilbert ?Gib? Houghton, a Florence dairyman. The other was John "Johnny" Jacobson, a former railroad agent. Development of Sea Lions Cave into a business that will probably gross $250,000 or more this year is a story of hope, determination, sacrifice and luck in the form of the unwillingness of anyone to buy it at a time when the owners were ready to call it quits. It was a struggle that appeared to be without end during those years when the owners were trying to develop the cave into a tourist attraction that no one seemed interested in. The first effort of the three partners - Houghton, Clanton and Jacobson - was wiped out almost before it was completed. To proved access to the cave, they spanned a small waterfall with a bridge, then built a series of ladders that reached down to the north entrance of the cave. The first storm took out the bridge, and there was no way to reach the ladders. They decided not to try that again. So they borrowed money, and carved a 1,500-foot trail along the face of the steep slope that breaks off sharply and rushes almost straight down to the ocean below. At the same time a 200-foot stairway was built, which the owners enclosed to protect visitors against the weather. Those were trying times. Sometimes the owners despaired of ever making the ave a success. There were times when they would have sold cheap. A couple of times, they tried to sell it back to the state, but the state wasn?t interested. It had owned the cave once, and once was enough. Finally, Sea Lions Cave opened for business in 1932. But the public was oblivious to the attraction the men had prepared for them. Only a few people showed up. Business was not good, and strife began developing among the partners. Houghton and Jacobson were younger than Clanton, and they didnt approve of his old-age ways. In 1935, they decided to dissolve their partnership and sell the Sea Lion Caves at auction. It brought $30,050. The buyers were two of those who had helped develop it - Houghton and Jacobson - plus Ray Saubert of Florence , who sold his interest in a fish processing plant at Cushman to raise his share of the purchase price. Since that time, the cave has remained the property of the Houghton, Jacobson and Saubert families. A change in ownership didn?t however mean an increase in business. U.S. 101 was still a graveled road, and traffic was light. Most tourist had never heard of the Sea Lions Cave. Those who had, didnt rush in with admission in their hands. The middle of 1930s were hard years, and people were not throwing their money around. It cost 25 cents to visit the cave then, but there weren?t many stray quarters around. The partners tried just about every trick in the book to attract visitors. They even flagged traffic down on U.S. 101 and tried to cajole travelers into visiting the cave. It was nip and tuck all the way. On a typical day in 1936, even after highway traffic had picked up, total receipts amounted to only $23.47. And that included sales of tickets, gasoline, oil and candy bars. But things were getting better, and it looked as if the gamble was going to pay off after all. A slight glimmer of success was beginning to shine upon Sea Lions Cave, which had been under development for more than ten years. Then, in 1939, the partnership suffered a loss. In January, the seas were running wild and the owners were afraid the waves had damaged the base upon which the stairway rested. Ray Saubert and Gib Houghton decided to go down and investigate. Only Houghton made it back. A giant wave came roaring down upon them while they were checking the foundation of the stairway, and both men were washed out to sea. Houghton was lucky - the next wave washed him back upon the rocky ledge where they had been standing. But Sauberts body was never found. At the time of Sauberts death, things were looking rosier than they ever had at Sea Lions Cave. Business was picking up, and it appeared as though the lean years were in the past. Then came World War II. With is came gas rationing, and traffic along U.S. 101 all but vanished. Some days the cave had only one or two customers. Some days it had none. But the Sea Lions Cave remained open. Clifton Saubert, the son of Ray, remembers that his mother kept the business open one summer by herself. When a customer came along, she would walk him down the trail, then lead the way down the 288 steps of the stairs to the cavern where the sea lions lounge around. Things were different in the cave then. During those early years, the fence that separates visitors from the sea lions had not been built. Before visitors were admitted to the cave, one of the partners went ahead and drove the sea lions back with the bristly end of a broom. Sea lions will fight if something is swung at them, says Saubert, but there is something about a broom they dont like. When the war ended, it looked as if a new era was beginning at the Sea Lions Cave. Customers were beginning to wheel into the parking lot out in front of the building as word of the cave spread. Then in 1946, a fire destroyed the original building. When it went up in flames, a gas station and small restaurant went with it. But that caused only a temporary shutdown. Tickets were soon being sold out of a shack that had been thrown up, and visitors beat a trail through the ashes of the old building on their way to the cave. The next spring, the building that stands there today was completed. From that time on, business improved. By then management of Sea Lions Cave had passed to the sons and daughters of the original owners. And in 1958, they decided that the old stairway should be replaced by an elevator, which would make it easier for visitors to get to and from the caves. For years they had dreamed of installing an elevator. As it turned out, the elevator almost became a pipe dream. Money lenders were not interested. The big banks wouldnt touch it. Steve Saubert, the son of Clifton Saubert, now manages the business. And he remembers the reluctance to put up money for the elevator. What worried the big banks was the noise that would be created by blasting out a 70-foot drift tunnel, which would connect with a 215-foot vertical shaft that also had to be blasted out of solid rock. "If the noise drives off the sea lions, what good is a mountain with a hole in it?" they asked. For two smaller banks, Saubert has high praise. They are the Ump qua Bank at Reedsport and the Lincoln Bank at Lincoln city. There were the only ones that finally came through with the money needed to drive the shaft into the mountain and install the elevator after excavation was completed. To keep from disturbing the sea lions, the blasting was done during the spring months of 1958 and 59, while the lions were making their home in what Saubert calls the "rookery." There, on the ledge of a big bluff that juts out into the Pacific just north of the cave?s western entrance, they breed and give birth to their young. Saubert refers to it as their summer home. That is where they were while the minors were blowing the 215-foot hole straight up through the bluff. That was a costly undertaking. By the time Otis Elevator Co. had installed the new elevator, the cost had ballooned to $200,000. Saubert, the 33-year old manager, says it would probably cost a "million dollars today." It has taken a lot of visitors to pay for it, but he believes it was one of the wisest investments Sea Lions Cave ever made. It will accommodate 400 people an hour. When the elevator comes to a cushiony stop at the bottom of the shaft, the visitor steps out into the tunnel that was blasted out of the sold rock to connect it with the elevator shaft. The tunnel leads down at a slight angel to a white, wooden enclosure, where the mummy of a sea lion has been lying for several hundred years. The skin is still visible on the carcass. Saubert says it has been preserved by a combination of climatic conditions that prevail in the cave where the temperature averages 56 degrees year around. Beyond it is the fence. And beyond the fence is the huge cavern, where the tide comes surging in. Except for about three months in the spring, this is the home of the sea lions. It is called the "hauling area" because it is here that they literally haul themselves upon the rocks with their flippers. At this time of year the population consists mainly of females. The bulls have disappeared, as they do each year after mating season. According to Saubert, no one knows where they go. The steller sea lions, which is the one native to Sea Lions Cave, makes a low, growling sound. That is in contrast to the California seal, which barks. The steller sea lion makes its home along the coast of North America from the California coast to the Bering Sea, then southward into the northern Japanese waters. At one time, they made their homes along the mainland, but now most of them live on the offshore islands and rocks of British Columbia and Alaska, said Saubert. Between 5,000 and 6,000 live along the California Coast. Approximately 1,000 call the waters along the Oregon coast home. They are warm blooded mammals. They give birth to their young, and suckle just as the other mammals do. To live, they must breathe of the air. If they remain submerged for long, they will drown. But sea lions have no commercial value, says Saubert. Instead of fur, they are covered with coarse hair, which finds no favor with furriers. If the hide is tanned, it fails to stand up. And the meat of the sea lion is not considered a delicacy. By depriving them of the things that man finds desirable, nature blessed the sea lions. The only natural enemy they have are killer whales. But since they are faster swimmers, sea lions can usually escape the pursuit of their lumbering foes. Saubert says the average weight of a female is 800 pounds, although some reach 1,000 pounds or more. The breeding bulls, who collect a harem during the breeding season, will often weigh about a ton. The gestation period for sea lions is nine months. But, says Saubert, females have a delayed reaction pregnancy. They will not bare young until May or June, even thought they have been bred for 12 months. He considers it a natural, built-in control to ensure that the young are born at a time of year when weather conditions are most favorable. Those in the business today are proud of what their ancestors have done. Clifton Saubert, the father of Steve and son of Ray Saubert who drowned, is retired. So is Donovan Houghton, whose father Gilbert Houghton, helped carve the business out of the steep bluff where the cave is buried. Jack "Jack" Jacobson, whose father was also one of the original owners, died in 1947. His widow, Ada "Jo" Jacobson, and Houghton and Saubert now run the business. Except for the elevator, the business remains much as it was when Steve Sauberts grandfather and father - and their partners - were struggling to put Sea Lions Cave on the map. But the staff has grown, and so has the gift shop, which is located in the clean, white building which has been headquarters for the enterprise since 1946. At the peak of the season, more than 30 employees are kept busy. Like those before him, Steve is a conservationist. "Nothing," he says, "and I mean nothing, is done to disturb the ecology of the cave, or the 100 surrounding acres owned by the Sea Lion Corp." He is quick to defend what the developers of the cave have done. Occasionally, some of what he calls the "hip generation" criticize the business. They claim that the public shouldn?t be charge to visit a natural resource. It belongs to the public, they say, and should be free. Saubert is quick to ask them how they got there. If they say they traveled by car, he reminds them they paid for the gasoline, which is also a natural resource. It irks him, their criticism. Wherever man has been given visitation rights without regard to the well-being of the sea lions, the sea lions have left, he says. They dont like man. And hes willing to bet that the sea lions wouldnt be in the cave today if it hadn? been developed privately, as a profit-making business. The cave 11 miles north of Florence is their cathedral. As long as Saubert has anything to say about it, it will resound to the throaty growl of the sea lion and the rushing roar of the sea. And it will remain open to the public from sunrise to sunset 365 days a year, just as it has in the past. by Jerry Easterling 1976-12-12 00:08:00 http://76.12.54.62/news/article-40 The man at the car with the Nebraska license plates probably said it best; "Thats the darndest thing Ive ever seen in my life." You dont have to be from the heartland to be impressed with Sea Lion Caves, which are located 12 miles north of Florence, Ore., on U.S. 101. Even native Northwesterners make this required stop when they visit Oregons Central Coast. Sometimes the view is merely interesting, a few dozen sea lions....(missing text) on the rock and perched...the main cavern. Other....(missing text) such as during this visit in ...(missing text) it is an awe-inspiring sight, with hundreds of sea lions lumbering and snorting across while others cavort in the sea below the sunning area and outside the entrance to the caves. Most of the animals are of the variety called Steller Sea Lions, a non-migratory breed that lives in the area year-round. The pups, usually born in late spring and early summer, weigh 40 to 50 pounds at birth and the males can grown to 12 feet and 1,500 pounds. The females are slimmer and average 8 and 9 feet in length and perhaps 700 pounds. The Steller Sea Lion usually resides on offshore islands - the caves are its only known mainland habitat on the West Coast - and the world population is estimated at 250,000. An estimated 200 usually reside in the caves, but that number can fluctuate with weather conditions and season. There are two main viewing areas. After paying a $3.50 fee, you can walk down a paved trail to a platform that overlooks a section of rock on which the sea lions sunbathe a hundred or so feet below. The platform has pay-per-view telescopes but take your own binoculars if you go on the weekends. The other viewpoint is from within the caves themselves. To get there, you walk down another paved path, then drop 208 feet by elevator to a drilled shaft that leads to an observatory cavern above the main cavern. The grotto of the main cavern is about 125 feet high and has a floor area of some two acres that is constantly washed by the sea. On the May Day, the cavern provided the most spectacular viewing, although if the weather is sunny, the outside viewpoint usually is better. There were more than 150 adult sea lions snorting, grumbling and belly-flop ping from point to point on the rocks in the grotto. The light is dim here - the grotto is lit only by three natural entrances, one of which is filled with water at high tide - and no flash cameras are allowed. However, any type of magnification device can bring the sea lions close to the viewers, who are 50 feet above, about 100 feet away and cut off by a wide mesh screen. You can look as long as you like, but those without binoculars or with small children seemed to lose interest after 10 or so minutes. There also is a fine view of the postcard-like Heceta Head Lighthouse from the northern end of the viewing cavern. Many people seem bothered by the smell of the animals, which is obvious when you are outside and obnoxious when you are in the cavern. But the view is worth putting up with a little bad odor. Sea Lion Caves are privately operated, unique on the Oregon Coast where most of the best attractions are publicly owned. This is a case where private enterprise stopped devastation of a resource, rather than accelerated it. The caves, discovered in 1880 by a local resident who allegedly was marooned in the main cavern by storms and had to shoot and eat sea lion to survive. The man eventually bought the land from the State of Oregon, which probably saved the resource because there was a bounty on sea lions at the time. Development of the caves as a tourist stop began in the early 1930s, when U.S. 101 was built. Until 1961, however, visitors could reach the cave only by traveling a 1,500-foot trail carved into the side of the cliff, then descending a 135 step wooden tower in to the observation cavern. The elevator was opened in 1961, which made the grotto accessible to almost everyone and increased tourism dramatically. The caves are about seven hours from Seattle, via U.S. 101, or west on Oregon Highway 126 from Eugene to Florence. Both Florence to the south and Newport to the north have abundant motels and several state campgrounds are nearby. by Lynn Mucken 1984-08-05 00:08:00 http://76.12.54.62/news/article-31 The most exciting season of the year on the Oregon Coast is fast approaching. Early in April the cliffs fill with great rafts of oceanic birds. The towering rocks that stud the coast from Brookings to Ecola State Park are transformed into noisy, exciting rookeries where courting cormorants, murres, guillemots and bizarre-looking puffins squabble, build nests or simply claim a bare rock on which to raise their young. Three species of cormorants are found in the Northwest. These fish eaters rear their young in communes bulging with tightly packed nests lined with grass or seaweed. Hod Johnson of Sea Lion Caves notes that the Brandt cormorants arrive in early April and begin nesting a few weeks prior to the nesting of double-crested and pelagic cormorants. By mid-morning the birds are ferrying nest material plucked from a grassy knoll near the cave. When the nests are complete, the knoll stands nude. Cormorants lay three to five chalky-blue eggs which require anywhere from 21 to 35 days of incubation, depending on the species. When the blind, naked nestlings hatch, the rookeries become bedlam. In an endless procession, parents lift off, dive into the sea and return to the quiet hunger calls of their offspring with bits of partially digested food. Each day the rookery becomes more dirty, noisy and odoriferous. The pigeon guillemot is a nesting neighbor of the cormorant at Sea Lion Caves. This bird, which looks somewhat like a small crow blazed with white wing patches and vivid red legs, forsakes the open cliff for the safety of the cave. There among the brawling sea lions, the birds lay their eggs and rear broods of two in unlined rock crevices. If you wish to see these rookeries, visit the cave area between late April and mid-July. Equally intriguing are the murre rookeries at Three Arch Rocks on Cape Meares. Here the murres gather by the thousands. In rather careless fashion, each female deposits her single egg on a narrow wind-blown rock ledge. Nature provides for the survival of the species by packaging the egg in an ingenious shape that prevents it from rolling off the cliff. The egg, formed like a boys top, simply rolls in a tight circle should it become dislodged. Comical looking tufted puffins, kissing cousins of the murres, also nest around the inlets at Arch Rocks. These strange looking birds (pictured on the cover) construct equally strange nests. Like the kingfisher, they dig nest tunnels in the earth in which to raise their offspring. Readers wishing to familiarize themselves with the birds of the Oregon Coast will find a visit to the pioneer museum at Tillamook most rewarding. Admission is free. On display are 500 mounted specimens of birds and animals, along with nest and egg collections. by Bernard Martin 1972-03-05 00:08:00 http://76.12.54.62/news/article-48 Since just before Thanksgiving, Sea Lion Caves has been the host for what is presumably the California sea lions that recently disappeared from Pier 39 in San Francisco. For the first time in 20 years, there are just a handful of sea lion on the docks at the pier. We will be adding links to interviews as this situation unfolds. http:kezi.compage157470 http:news.bbc.co.uk2hiamericas8438215.stm http:www.youtube.comwatch?v=jtpfKbWU29E http:www.kval.comnewslocal81019582.html 2010-01-08 13:01:58 http://76.12.54.62/news/article-49 The beginning of this year saw a record number of California sea lions inhabiting the Oregon coast centered around the Sea Lion Caves property. The exact reason for this phenomenon is still unclear. However, even though the number California sea lions has dwindled to a handful, we still have hundreds of the Northern Steller sea lions that inhabit this area year-round. We have been seeing 300 to 500 in the cave for the past 4 months. They will start moving outside to the rookery for breeding season around April. We will welcome the Californians back any time they may decide to visit us again! 2010-03-16 09:47:37 http://76.12.54.62/news/article-50 We are grateful to the Hatfield Marine Sciences for putting together a professional team to release a female sea lion tangled in a net. She entered the cave on St. Patricks Day dragging the netting with her onto the rocks. In her struggles to release herself, she only managed to tether herself to the rocks in front of the viewing area of the cave, upsetting all who witnessed horrific event. To the rescue came the HatfieldOSU team lead by Jim Rice. They devised and implemented their plan to sedate the animal and cut the bindings from her neck and face. Without these heroic efforts, the young sea lion would have starved slowly over the next days. Our gratitude goes out to all those who participated in this event. We have now seen that with the right people and planning, this sort of rescue can be performed humanely and successfully! Below are some attachments from various media: http:www.kgw.comnewslocalSea-lion-rescued-near-Coast-caves-88620762.html http:www.oregonlive.comenvironmentindex.ssf201003osu_rescues_entangled_sea_lion.html http:www.gazettetimes.comnewslocalarticle_ac075e86-33a8-11df-ac5b-001cc4c03286.html http:oregonstate.eduuancsarchives2010marworking-sea-lion-caves-osu-team-performs-historic-rescue-entangled-animal http:florence.kval.comcontentoregon-state-team-make-daring-animal-rescue-sea-lion-caves 2010-03-20 09:01:38