Thursday, May 03, 2007

South Georgia - Antarctic Fur Seals

Antarctic fur seals were hunted to commercial extinction beginning in the 1790's. Since that time this species has made an incredible recovery with some population estimates as high as 4 million animals, 95% of that number being distributed on South Georgia.



Antarctic fur seal pups are amazingly curious and will approach if you simply sit down on the beach. This pup posed perfectly right in front of the National Geographic Endeavour...what a ham!



With a growth rate approaching 10% per year mothers and pups are quite easy to photograph.

Asleep and smiling, oblivious to the stealthy photographer clicking away!
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