Elephant Seals

A rather red-eyed bull Southern Elephant Seal (Mirounga leonina) with his harem. Also known as Sea Elephant. The males can reach a size of 6 metres in length and weigh in around three and a half tons. The females are smaller at less than 4 metres and a quarter of the weight of an adult bull. The stench of the breath from these guys is truly awesome!

The same fellow. The raw wounds on his face are fresh from a fight with another bull who tried to take his place and failed. The sheathbill (middle left) kept annoying him by pecking at the scars.

Pictures © Jim McLaren 2000