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.
Adult sea lions are generally quite confident and may chase people or dogs. It is important to keep at least 10 metres from these animals as they can move surprisingly quickly and could cause serious injury.
The pointy-nosed New Zealand fur seal is found throughout New Zealand and western and southern Australia.
Adult leopard seals are normally found along the edge of the Antarctic pack ice but in winter young animals move throughout the Southern Ocean, sometimes visiting New Zealand.
Southern elephant seals occasionally visit local coastlines, giving people an opportunity to observe marine mammals that normally live in subantarctic waters.
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.
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Seals factsheet (PDF, 200K)
Sharing our coasts with marine mammals
This brochure summarises the simple rules you need to follow around whales, dolphins or seals.
Marine mammals of NZ poster
Marine and coastal conservation
If you find a seal that is severely injured, or entangled in marine debris, or being harassed by people or dogs call the DOC HOTline 0800 362 468
For other enquiries, contact your nearest DOC office
