Mum and bub are both doing well. Photo: Jane Dawson/ Department of Parks and Wildlife
Camera IconMum and bub are both doing well. Photo: Jane Dawson/ Department of Parks and Wildlife Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Rare elephant seal pup born of Western Australian coast

Gabrielle JefferyWeekend Kwinana Courier

A MAGICAL moment has unfolded off Shoalwater with the birth of a southern elephant seal pup.

The rarely recorded birth happened in late November on an island off the Shoalwater Island Marine Park.

A Department of Parks and Wildlife spokeswoman said it is just the third recorded account of an elephant seal pup being born off the Western Australia coast.

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“They usually breed and give birth in sub-Antarctic locations,” she said.

“It is a rare and magical sight.”

DPAW has issued a warning to the community to pay respect to the mother and newborn.

“It is very important that people keep their distance from the mother and newborn, so as not to disturb them during this vulnerable time,” it said.

Photos- Jane Dawson/ Department of Parks and Wildlife, Western Australia