Despite their name, they are not true seals but belong to the group known as eared seals, or otariids, which includes sea lions. This means they have external ear flaps and can rotate their hind flippers forward, allowing them to walk on all fours—a handy adaptation for climbing over the rocky coastlines they prefer. Their dense, chocolate-brown to grayish coats are sleek and waterproof, perfectly adapted for a life spent between land and sea.
These animals are superb swimmers and divers, capable of reaching depths of more than 200 meters (650 feet) and staying underwater for up to 11 minutes in search of prey. Their diet is varied and includes squid, octopus, fish, and sometimes even seabirds, making them opportunistic hunters. On land, they haul out in colonies, particularly on rocky shores, caves, and sheltered bays. During the breeding season, males establish territories and compete fiercely for harems of females, sometimes battling with dramatic displays of power. Outside of this season, however, they are more solitary or form smaller, looser groups.
Historically, New Zealand fur seals suffered a drastic population decline that nearly wiped them out. Today, they are fully protected under New Zealand law, and their numbers have rebounded significantly, with colonies expanding throughout the country’s coasts and offshore islands. Their comeback is often hailed as a conservation success story, though they still face threats from fishing entanglement, plastic pollution, and occasional conflicts with fisheries.
New Zealand fur seals are also among the noisiest of the otariids, with males barking, growling, and even bleating during territorial disputes, while pups produce high-pitched squeals to call their mothers. Unlike true seals, fur seals use their strong foreflippers for propulsion in the water, almost as if they’re “flying” underwater.
Distribution
Australia
New Caledonia
New ZealandAnything we've missed?
Help us improve this page by suggesting edits. Glory never dies!
Suggest an editGet to know me
Terrestrial / Aquatic
Altricial / Precocial
Polygamous / Monogamous
Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic
Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal
Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Colony
Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore
Migratory: Yes / No
Domesticated: Yes / No
Dangerous: Yes / No
