UPDATED: 2007-01-12

Females will nurse their pups constantly on fat-rich milk for only 28 days. Shortly before she weans her pup, the female will mate with one or more of the mature bull elephant seals then returns to the ocean leaving the pup to fend for itself. At this point the 300 pound pup is called a weaner and its existence is precarious. It must learn to swim and forage for itself, living off its fat reserves as it does so. For two months a weaner will remain at the rookery, gradually gaining swimming and foraging skills. If it is successful and survives, it will adopt a diet of squid, fish, rays and small sharks.

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