Seal
These endearing marine mammals are making a splash on the Thames.
People wanting to see British seals in their natural habitat have traditionally taken boat trips out from the coast of Scotland or the east of England. However, since February 2000, surprised Londoners have regularly spotted seals swimming up the Thames through central London.
Seals customarily feed out at sea and emerge onto 'haul out' areas, on rocky shores or sandbanks, to rest and to suckle their young. Although they may travel 50km out to sea - and remain at sea for several days - adults tend to remain faithful to their favoured haul out areas. It is unusual, but not incredible, for seals to be found in rivers, and it is thought that cleaner and maybe even warmer waters are encouraging seals to the Thames.
Facts
Appearance: Grey seals have a large head with a high muzzle (resembling the human' Roman nose'). The typical endearing, expressive seal beloved of greeting cards and calendars is the common seal - which boasts a much more rounded head and a dog-like muzzle
Size: Male grey seals can reach 2.2 metres in length. Male common seals are generally smaller at 1.5 metres
Weight: Grey seal: 150-220kg, common seal: 113kg
Lifespan: Around 20 years
Diet: A wide variety of fish which can include shrimps and squid
Family: Phocidae
Did you know?
- Seals have been spotted in London near Richmond Bridge, Teddington lock, Hammersmith, Kew, Twickenham, Chelsea and Westminster
- Seals often stay under water for as long as 20-30 minutes and reach depths beyond 50 metres
- Seals can be aged by counting the growth rings around the roots of their back teeth
- The oldest known seal was recorded in Shetland. She reached a ripe old age of 46
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