Story: Seals

Elephant seal pup

Elephant seal pup

Southern elephant seal pups are born from September to November. They weigh 45 kilograms on average, and are only suckled for three to four weeks – much less than other seals. But during this time they are fed extremely rich milk – the highest in fat of any mammal – and they treble their weight. Their large eyes are an adaptation for seeing in poorly lit deep water.

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How to cite this page:

Lloyd Spencer Davis, 'Seals - Southern elephant seal', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/6192/elephant-seal-pup (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by Lloyd Spencer Davis, published 12 Jun 2006