Last week we visited the Cape Cross Fur Seal Reserve located about 2 hours north of Swakopmund. This is one of the places Portuguese explorers landed in the year 1494. They were fond of planting crosses whenever they landed at a new place - thus the name of Cape Cross.
Replica of cross planted by Portuguese
Wild coast line
The area is also home to one of the largest Cape Fur Seal colonies in the world. At times, there can be upwards of 80,000 seals. While we were there, we got to see the entire circle of life at play. It is just the beginning of the birthing season and we were say several newly born pups, some with the umbilical still attached.
Baby fur seal
They also like to sleep anywhere they can
Breeding season starts in a few weeks and we saw the great big bulls carefully guarding their harems.
Bull guarding his harem
We also got to observe the end of life. While we were watching, a Jackel appeared and snatched one of the baby seals. We watched as the Jacket enjoyed his meal. Once he was finished, the gulls swooped in and finished off the remains.
Jackel enjoying its meal
Gull finishing off the remains
Some may find such things disturbing, however, the Jackel has a right to survive. As you can see from the pictures, the area is pretty desolate and there cannot be too much else to eat. It is amazing any land animal could survive in such an environment.
So, we observed the circle of life. Let the Lion King music begin....
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