Southern Elephant Seal

Southern elephant seals are enormous Antarctic seals that breed in small numbers in New Zealand’s Subantarctic region. Individuals occasionally reach mainland beaches. Adult males have an inflatable proboscis and can exceed 4 metres. Females are much smaller and lack the enlarged nose.

New Zealand breeding is concentrated on Antipodes Island. Animals also visit other Subantarctic islands and mainland coasts. They make prolonged dives for squid and deep-water fish. They come ashore to breed, moult and rest.

The New Zealand population is Nationally Critical. The national breeding population is extremely small. Expedition visits to the Antipodes offer the best prospect. Mainland sightings around Otago and Wellington are unpredictable.