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, 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 no fur on their flippers.
A large group of seals is called a herd and breeding colonies are called rookeries. Adult males are called bulls and females are called cows, while a young seal is a pup. Immature males are sometimes called bachelors or vagrants.
All seals, whales and dolphins are protected under the Marine Mammals Protection Act 1978.
Rules for observing seals
- Observe the seal quietly
- Always keep dogs and small children well away from seals
- Avoid getting nearer than 20 metres to the seal
- Do not touch the seal under any circumstances
- Do not get between the seal and its access to water
- Do not feed the seal
All seals should be treated with caution. They have large teeth, and can become aggressive. 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.
back to top