Robert HardingElephant seals, so named because of the males’ large proboscis, resembling an elephant’s trunk, are extraordinary animals that can dive to great depths in the oceans and even sleep underwater. There are two species, northern and southern elephant seals, who gather in large colonies during mating season, when the males fight for dominance.
Elephant seals sparring, Monterey Bay, California (Frans Lanting/Robert Harding)
Northern elephant seal young males sparring, Monterey Bay, California (Frans Lanting/Robert Harding)
Northern elephant seal young male elephant seals sleeping at beach (Jeffrey Rich/Okapia/Robert Harding)
Southern elephant seal bull uses vocalisation and produces steam, Sea Lion Island, Falkland Islands, South America (Eleanor Scriven/Robert Harding)
Symbiosis between seal elephant and penguin, Antarctica (Henryk Sadura/Robert Harding)
Southern elephant seal weaner pups, Snow Island, Antarctica, Polar Regions (Michael Nolan/Robert Harding)
Northern elephant seals and California sea lions, Farallon Islands National Wildlife Refuge, California (Frans Lanting/Robert Harding)
See more photos of elephant seals here