If they weren’t so huge I’d take it home

in nature •  7 years ago  (edited)

These animals are big but they have a face that is somewhat adorable and if it wasn’t for the fact they get to about 3,000kgs|7,000lbs I would consider taking one home. Well, that and they smell pretty bad, have quite a bad temper around anyone or anything else and they need deep, deep water to swim and survive in.


elephant seal-1.jpg


Their first year of life though is actually pretty damn tough - especially for the population that lives on the South Shetland Islands on the Antarctic Peninsula. First of all, their mothers only nurse them and give parental care for 23 days and that is it. She is done and leaves. Then this little one will molt into their sub-adult coat and have to work out life for itself and due to their naive nature predators get them quite easily.


It’s estimated that the mortality rate of some elephant seal populations in their first year is around 95%!!!


elephant seal-1-2.jpg


Talk about a rough first year for these guys to survive… I am quite impressed!


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Hey, I believe, you missed a word at the start of the second paragraph

that I did. thank you for letting me know

Nice article my friend :) Greetings from the seal hospital

This friendly picture made my day !!! :)

Thanks - nice photo too!!!

A beautiful cat! Where were they photographed?

on the south Shetland islands in Antarctica. it is a seal by the way not a cat

I don't like them cause they're cute, I like them for their laid-back, social nature. They remind me of myself

you must have quite the nature then :)

Hola @thomasjmitchell
Son enormes y nada amigables.
Están los del norte y los del Sur.
Los del Sur son más grandes y los machos pueden medir hasta 6 metros. Las hembras 3 metros.
Se alimentan desde peces pequeños hasta tiburones.
No creo conveniente llevarlo a casa. jijijijiji
Saludos

Thanks! The ones in the Southern Hemisphere eat mostly squid :D I don't think I have a bath tub big enough for one of these animals ;)

That’s awesome!! Very informative post!

Whenever I see their wallow I want to jump in and snuggle. I love them so much. SO adorable... when they are young, not so much the big guys!

hahaha! I know you would :D

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An amazing creature it is and would be really nice to have one.

Haha wouldn't that be amazing!

  ·  7 years ago Reveal Comment