Friendly southern elephant seal (Mirounga leonina), weaner pup close up on the beach at Snow Island, Antarctica, Polar Regions

mirounga leonina weaner pup beach snow island antarctica polar regions wildlife marine mammal close up resting nature ocean habitat animal behavior cold climate coastal cute pup whiskers blubber seals marine life fur playful young seal animal portrait baby seals wildlife conservation biodiversity animal welfare natural environment ecological balance cold weather wildlife protection snowy landscape animal species grazing rocky beach marine ecosystem seal behavior aquatic life polar fauna endangered species habitat conservation animal observation ecosystem health