THE FUR SEAL NURSERY

The kings of the Seven Seas

An episode from the series MARINE MAMMALS

Synopsis

Despite its placid appearance and its playful character, the sea lion is prey to the process of natural selection.

Every year, during the spring, thousands of fur seals take possession of the Isle of Amsterdam, in the Indian Ocean. There, the males, with their imposing manes, protect their harems by fighting with their fangs, often resulting in a blood bath.

Under the protection of the dominant male, females give birth and feed their young. To produce milk rich enough, they must frequently take to the sea to get food. While waiting for their mothers, the deserted babies occupy themselves by playing with each other in what looks furiously like a "day nursery".