Some girls will do anything for applause.

It is even more gratifying if you throw in some sardines, as in the case of three female sea lions at the Kern County fair.

Two Argentinean sea lions and one California sea lion are the attractions of Squalis, a traveling aquatic act.

Sammy, a California sea lion, the spunkiest of the bunch, stole the show with her playful and mischievous acts. She caught four out of six rings tossed to her and begged for more playtime. She spent most of her time following the trainer around the stage.

Alicia and Minnie, both Patagonian sea lions, were slower to respond but were poised and made fewer mistakes. Twice as big as Sammy, they both lifted their bodies balancing themselves on their front flippers and clapped their flippers in anticipation of more applause.

All three sea lions are estimated to be the same age, in their mid-20s. They were placed with the Peters family five years ago and were raised in captivity.

“South Americans (sea lions) are a lot bigger because they live in colder climates,” said Kathi Peters, wife of trainer Marco Peters.

Marco Peters owns and operates the traveling aquarium that converts into an aquatic showcase with boulders and above-ground pool.

He said he has 30 years of experience with exotic animals and also owns a traveling shark exhibit.

Peters said it was not hard to train the sea lions. Mammals make continuous repetitive movements in their environment, he said.

“It is an extension of their natural behavior,” he said. “We just add comedy.”