The little one said Roll Over
Chris Wilson
Southern Elephant Seals (Mirounga leonina) live in sub-Antarctic and Antarctic waters which feature brutally cold conditions but are rich in fish, squid, and other marine foods. Southern Elephant Seals breed on land but spend their winters in the frigid Antarctic waters near the pack ice. This image, taken at Davis Station Antarctica, demonstrates the dramatically termed ‘Catastrophic Moult.’ This is a variation of the gradual moulting process which some animals undergo to replace old feathers, fur, hair or skin. Seals will haul-out and stay ashore for nearly a month, unable to re-enter the water to feed, due to a temporary sensitivity to temperature changes.
BEAKER STREET SCIENCE PHOTOGRAPHY PRIZE
This photograph was a finalist in Beaker Street’s annual Science Photography Prize. This highly-respected prize invites all Tasmanians to showcase the wonders of our extraordinary part of the world — which is teeming with science and scientists. Finalist images are displayed at the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery during Beaker Street Festival each August, with great prizes on offer for Judges’ and People’s Choice winners.
The Beaker Street Science Photography Prize would not be possible without the support of Full Gamut, Tasmania’s premier fine art printers and long-time sponsor of this competition. Many thanks also go to Pennicott Wilderness Journeys, which donates a generous prize for the People’s Choice winner.
