Southern elephant seal pup
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Science Photo Library
Southern elephant seal pup
Southern elephant seal (Mirounga leonina) pup, with an abundance of skin (folded) in which to grow into. Southern elephant seals live in the open waters of the Southern Ocean around Antarctica. They feed at sea and come to land only to breed and to moult. The female gives birth to a single pup, which she weans onto solid food and then abandons. The pup survives on reserves of fat for several weeks until it moults to reveal its adult coat. This allows it to start swimming to feed on fish and squid. Photographed on South Georgia
Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations
Media ID 6329445
© CHARLOTTE MAIN/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Antarctic Atlantic Breeding Coastal Folds Immature Island Islands Juvenile Mammal Mirounga Leonina Pinniped Re Production Reach Reaching Reproductive Scratch Scratching Seal Skin South Georgia Southern Atlantic Southern Elephant Seal Stretch Stretching Sub Antarctic Young Elephant Seal Weaned Weaner
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures the essence of a Southern elephant seal pup, showcasing its incredible potential for growth. With an abundance of skin folded around its body, this young marine mammal is poised to mature into a magnificent adult. Found in the vast open waters of the Southern Ocean surrounding Antarctica, these seals venture onto land solely for breeding and molting purposes. The female elephant seal gives birth to a single pup and diligently nurtures it until it can sustain itself on solid food. Once weaned, the pup relies on its fat reserves for several weeks before undergoing a transformative molt that reveals its striking adult coat. This pivotal moment marks the beginning of its journey as it ventures into the ocean depths to hunt fish and squid. Photographed against the stunning backdrop of South Georgia Island, this image showcases not only nature's beauty but also highlights important aspects of zoology and reproductive biology within this unique species. The coastal environment serves as an ideal habitat for these juvenile seals to scratch their bodies while reaching out towards their future existence in the wild. With every fold in its skin representing untold possibilities, this Southern elephant seal pup symbolizes resilience and adaptability amidst challenging sub-Antarctic conditions. It reminds us of nature's intricate balance and our responsibility to protect these remarkable creatures inhabiting our planet's southernmost reaches.
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