One might guess that the foulest-smelling flatulence in the animal kingdom would belong to something of substantial size -- an elephant, camel or hippopotamus, perhaps.

But as Rick Schwartz , ambassador and head keeper at the San Diego Zoo, told Greenpeace USA this week, the prize goes to an unlikely and lovable species.

"Cutting right to the chase," Schwartz said during a pun-filled episode of the podcast "Completely Optional Knowledge ," sea lions "by far" have the funkiest farts.

"Of all the gastro-releases I have had the pleasure or displeasure of experiencing, the sea lion is the one that will clear the area the quickest," Schwartz said.