Harbor seal
5 to 6 million individuals
With a population estimated at approximately 5 to 6 million, this species (divided into several subspecies) is present all along the coasts of the northern hemisphere.
The females give birth to their young, once a year, after a nine-month gestation period. The baby seals are born on land and are able, after barely a few hours, to swim and dive. They feed on their mother's milk, very rich in fat content, for barely 3 to 4 weeks, during which period of time they double their weight!
When they lose their winter fur, Harbour Seals cease to feed for weeks. This behaviour is also known among some species of penguin during their moult (of feathers) – like, for example, the Jackass Penguins that can be seen at Pairi Daiza.
Nine harbour seals in the Pairi Daiza
In Pairi Daiza, you can view nine harbour seals, at Cambron-by-the-Sea. The youngest, born in 2023 in the park, is called Nessie.
A less threathened species
- Name: Harbour seal
- Latin name: Phoca vitulina
- Origin: Northern hemisphere
- IUCN-status: Least concerned
- Cites: --
Be there when the harbour seals are being fed
In Pairi Daiza, you can be present when the harbour seals are being fed. Make your way to Cambron-by-the-Sea to see our animals as close up as possible as they come up on the beach and the pier to meet their keepers to...the fish they are offered.
