Weddell seal mother with pup
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Weddell seal mother with pup
Weddell seal (Leptonychotes weddelli) female with a week old pup. Females gather in pupping colonies on the surface of the ice to raise their young, usually returning to the same location each year. Females give birth in the Antarctic spring and nurse their pups for 5-6 weeks. The pups start to accompany their mothers into the water after 2 weeks. Weddell seals inhabit fast ice (ice attached to land or the Antarctic ice shelves) around Antarctica and subantarctic islands. They hunt fish, crustaceans, squid and krill. They can reach up to 3.3 metres in length and 400 to 600 kilograms in weight. Photographed on Signy Island, South Orkney Islands
Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations
Media ID 6463309
© DOUG ALLAN/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Baby Carnivore Carnivorous Fish Eater Fish Eating Juvenile Mammal Mother Parental Parenting Pescivore Pescivorous Pinnipeds Seals Sheltering Signy Island South Orkney Islands Sub Antarctic Young Leptonychotes Weddelli Weddell Seal
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures the heartwarming bond between a Weddell seal mother and her week-old pup. In this stunning image, taken on Signy Island in the South Orkney Islands, we witness nature's miracle unfold as these remarkable creatures navigate their icy habitat. Weddell seals are known for their strong maternal instincts, and this devoted mother is no exception. Gathering in pupping colonies on the surface of the ice, females return to the same location each year to raise their young. Here, she nurses her adorable pup for 5-6 weeks before gradually introducing it to the frigid waters after just two weeks. These magnificent pinnipeds inhabit fast ice around Antarctica and subantarctic islands, where they hunt fish, crustaceans, squid, and krill. With lengths of up to 3.3 meters and weighing between 400 to 600 kilograms, Weddell seals command an impressive presence in their environment. The photograph beautifully showcases not only the tender moments shared between mother and baby but also highlights the importance of parental care within this carnivorous species. As viewers immerse themselves in this snapshot of wildlife wonderment, they are reminded of both the delicate balance of life in Antarctica's harsh conditions and our responsibility to protect these incredible creatures for generations to come.
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