Peak pupping season!

It’s peak pupping time at Seal Rocks! During the past weeks hundreds of Australian fur seal pups have been born, Seal Rocks is bustling with activity. Come witness the mums (aka cows) nurse their pups, teaching them to move around safely on the rocks and keeping away from danger.

Malnourishment, waves and other seals pose the biggest threats to these tiny pups. The cows will need to feed and rest well to be able to provide all the nourishment the young seals need. While the mums are out fishing in the ocean, the pups are naturally curious and you will see them exploring their environment, often venturing out further away. However, getting too close to the water’s edge during high tide or in stormy conditions can be dangerous as they could be washed off the rocks.

When you visit Seal Rocks you will notice that most seal pups will stick to the caves and the higher beaches well away from the water. But being high and dry is not at all risk-free. Young and mature males are constantly defending their territory, often causing disturbances in the colony; the pups can be at risk of getting squashed by a territorial male weighing up to 360kg.

When the mums return from their fishing trips they will try to relocate their pup by calling repeatedly, and waiting to hear a response. To us seal pup calls all sound the same, but every seal mum can clearly make out the unique call of their pup. As they approach each other the mum & pup pair will sniff each other to ensure they have actually found the correct one!

As the pups are completely dependent on their mother’s milk for at least 6 months, it is crucial that they do find each other quickly and that they are not disturbed while resting and feeding. The first few months are the most important for the seals to get strong and healthy, to ensure their survival. For this reason, amongst many, do our boats approach Seal Rocks in a slow manner to avoid any disturbances, adhering to the strict guidelines set out in our marine mammal watching permit.

It is such a privilege to be able to watch these pups from up close, whilst allowing them to do what they do naturally! Join us on a Seal Watching Cruise this summer to experience this exciting time at Seal Rocks.