Hundreds of southern elephant seals (Mirounga leonina) hauled out onto the breeding beach at Gold Harbour, South Georgia, Polar Regions

mirounga leonina gold harbour south georgia breeding beach haul out breeding season wildlife polar regions marine mammals seal colonies coastal habitat natural behavior animal gathering antarctic fauna ocean ecosystems nature conservation biodiversity habitats mammals seal pups existing population marine life deep sea beach ecology social behavior large gatherings wildlife observation marine environment cold climate natural environment antarctic peninsula seal migration endangered species wildlife sanctuary biological diversity animal monitoring ecological research breeding grounds coastal ecosystems natural habitats wildlife enthusiasts animal welfare marine conservation wildlife protection animal behavior field study coastal conservation