Photo of the week: Fur seal pup at Cape Palliser

Department of Conservation —  22/03/2017

Visit Cape Palliser in the Wairarapa this time of year and the New Zealand fur seal/kekeno pups are sure to be performing their underwater acrobatics in rock pools or having a snooze in the sun.

Today’s photo of the week is one of those sleeping pups.

New Zealand fur seal/kekeno pup at Cape Palliser. Photo Herb Christophers.

Fur seals/kekeno are the most common seals in New Zealand and their population is growing. They are very good swimmers and weaned pups will sometimes travel great distances. A fur seal pup tagged on the South Island’s West Coast has even been recorded in Australia!

Although very charismatic, seals are wild animals and should be treated with respect. You should always remain at least 20 metres away from seals.

Photo: Herb Christophers

3 responses to Photo of the week: Fur seal pup at Cape Palliser

  1. 

    the Cape Palliser seals are a wonderful treasure – great picture as he sleeps on this bed of rock

  2. 

    A delightful picture.

Trackbacks and Pingbacks:

  1. seal pup, Cape Palliser | Waikanae Watch - March 22, 2017

    […] via Photo of the week: Fur seal pup at Cape Palliser — Conservation blog […]