Seal Species

Bearded seals (Erignathus barbatus) are a species of true seal found in the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions. They have a robust body with a small head and broad flippers. Their most distinctive feature is the long, white whiskers (vibrissae) on their face, which resemble a beard and give the species its name. They are our CEO's favourite seal species.

Crabeater seals (Lobodon carcinophaga) are a species of true seals native to the Antarctic region. They are highly adapted to life in the polar waters surrounding Antarctica and are one of the most abundant seal species in the world. They have slender bodies with relatively long flippers. Their coats are generally light grey to tan, which helps them blend in with their icy surroundings.

Elephant seals are large marine mammals belonging to the genus Mirounga, with two distinct species: the Northern elephant seal (Mirounga angustirostris) and the Southern elephant seal (Mirounga leonina). Named for their sizeable proboscis, which resembles an elephant's trunk, male elephant seals use this feature to produce loud roaring noises. They are known for their remarkable size, with males reaching up to 20 feet in length and weighing up to 8,800 pounds, making them the largest seal species.

Fur seals, are part of the Otariidae family, which also includes sea lions. They are distinguished by their thick fur, which was highly valued in the past, sadly leading to extensive hunting. Fur seals are known for their external ear flaps and the ability to walk on land using their large, flipper-like front limbs. They are a common sight on Antarctic expeditions but can be found much further north, too. 

Leopard Seals are large and formidable predators, known for their distinctive spotted coats and reptilian-like heads. They are second only to killer whales in their predatory role in the Antarctic.

Sea lions are marine mammals and social creatures belonging to the family Otariidae, including fur seals. There are several species of sea lions, with the California sea lion (Zalophus californianus), the Steller sea lion (Eumetopias jubatus), and the South American sea lion (Otaria flavescens) being among the most well-known. These animals are characterised by their external ear flaps, long front flippers, and the ability to walk on land by rotating their hind flippers forward, as documented in many a comical TikTok and Instagram reel.

Walruses are large marine mammals belonging to the Odobenidae family, with a single extant species, Odobenus rosmarus, divided into two subspecies: the Atlantic walrus and the Pacific walrus. Known for their distinctive long tusks, which are elongated canine teeth, walruses use these tusks for various purposes, including hauling themselves onto ice, defending against predators, and establishing social dominance.

Weddell seals (Leptonychotes weddellii) are large, robust marine mammals that inhabit the waters of Antarctica. Named after British sealing captain James Weddell, these seals are renowned for their ability to live year-round on the Antarctic ice. They are among the southernmost-breeding mammals in the world, having a thick layer of blubber that insulates them against the extreme cold and a sleek, torpedo-shaped body that makes them excellent swimmers.