Seals
Seals belong to a group of mammals known as "pinnipeds". All pinnipeds have streamlined bodies and limbs modified into flippers. Pinnipeds are divided into three families: walruses, true seals and eared seals. True seals do not have external ears, cannot turn their hind flippers forward (therefore can not walk on them), and have fur on both surfaces of their flippers. New Zealand examples include the leopard seal and southern elephant seal.
Eared seals include fur seals and sea lions. They have external ears, hind flippers they can turn forward under the body and walk on and no fur on the under side of their flippers. New Zealand examples are the New Zealand fur seal and New Zealand sea lion.
A large group of seals during breeding is called a harem. Adult males are called bulls and females are called cows, while a young seal is a pup. Immature males are sometimes called SAMs (sub-adult males) or bachelors.
All seals, whales and dolphins are protected under the Marine Mammals Protection Act 1978.
Rules for observing seals
- Always stay at least 10 m from seals. Allow them space if they are active.
- Do not disturb seals. Don't make loud noises or throw objects in their vicinity.
- Always keep dogs and small children under control and away from seals
- Never attempt to touch or handle seals they can be aggressive if threatened and you can carry diseases that can transfer to them and make them ill
- Do not feed any seal
All seals should be treated with caution. They have large teeth, and can become aggressive if they feel threatened. They also move surprisingly fast on land. Fur seals can bite with up to 2 tonnes per cm pressure. Leopard seals in particular should be treated with great respect. Unlike fur seals, they are not normally afraid of people and when approached are as likely to attack as they are to retreat into the water.
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