The top picture is of a juvenile Weddell seal weaned from its mother
about 2 or 3 months previously and already completely in control in its
aquatic environment. The scene a few months ago was rather
different though. Weddell seal pups don't automatically realise that they
can or should dive and the early attempts are amusing to watch.
"Attempts" is probably
the wrong word. What actually happens is that the mother pushes the pup into the water
against its will. She then pushes its head under the water - again against
its will. There is much coughing, spluttering and panic before the pup
realises that it can hold its breath under the water and that this in fact
does help!
The pups soon get the hang of it though
and as adults will dive to up to 600 metres (2 000ft) or more staying under for up
to an hour and going as much as 12 kilometers from the breathing hole.
A typical feeding dive takes the seal to
200-400m and lasts for 5-25 minutes.
The second picture shows how unaffected
by humans Antarctic wildlife is!
Photo; © Paul Ward - Pentax equipment,
100mm
lens, 35mm film, K64.
This picture may not be copied or used in any manner without
prior written permission.
