Sea Elephant Identified

Northern Advocate, 19 November 1941, Page 2

Sea Elephant Identified

What has been taken to be a sea lion in McCormack's Bay was identified recently as a sea elephant by Dr. R. A. Falla, director cf the Canterbury Museum, states the Christchurch “Press.” The animal, which was discovered about a week ago in the enclosed area of the bay, and which has attracted much attention, is a member of a species at one time killed in large numbers for its oil. In 1918. however, the sea elephant was made a protected animal when it was found that the .herds were becoming extinct, but in the last few years several have been seen in New Zealand waters, and it is now possible that the herds are regaining their former strengths, stated Dr. Falla. They live and breed in the colder Antarctic seas, round the" McQuarrie Islands for instance, and during the winter wanderings of the young* some come within the range of the New Zealand coast, thus accounting for their appearances. This sea elephant, which is young, probably being between two ar.d four .years old, has lost the sight cf one eye. at least temporarily, because of the stones thrown at it, but otherwise it is In good health and is fairly *an,e. Sufficient food is available for it in the bay,, and once it satisfies its curiosity it will probably make its way to the sea.