At Seals Direct, we are excited to share that we have recently adopted a seal from SeaLife Weymouth! This decision reflects our commitment to supporting marine wildlife conservation and our dedication to the well-being of these captivating creatures. By adopting a seal, we are helping SeaLife Weymouth continue their valuable work in providing care, rehabilitation, breeding and protection for seals and other marine animals.
The seal we’ve adopted is a common seal, also known as a harbour seal. Common seals are one of the most widely distributed seal species in the Northern Hemisphere, with populations spanning from the cold coastal waters of the North Atlantic and North Pacific to regions around the Baltic Sea and northern Europe. These seals are known for their adaptability to both saltwater and freshwater environments, often found lounging on sandy shores, rocky outcroppings or even in rivers and estuaries.

Common seals are relatively small compared to some of their seal relatives, reaching lengths of around 5 to 6 feet and weighing between 100 and 375 pounds. They have streamlined bodies that are perfectly adapted for swimming. Unlike some other seal species, common seals do not have visible ear flaps, but instead, small ear holes that help them maintain their sleek profile underwater. Their coats vary in colour, from grey and tan to brown and even black, often adorned with speckles and spots that help them blend into their coastal surroundings.
In the water, common seals are graceful and agile. They can reach speeds of up to 12 miles per hour, using their powerful hind flippers to propel themselves forward while their front flippers help them steer and maneuver. Despite their agility in the water, they are just as at home on land, where they haul out to rest, molt, and raise their pups. During the breeding season, female seals come ashore to give birth to a single pup, which they nurse and protect for several weeks until it is strong enough to venture into the water on its own.
Diet-wise, common seals are carnivorous and feed primarily on fish, squid, and crustaceans. They are skilled hunters, capable of diving to depths of over 300 feet and holding their breath for up to 30 minutes when pursuing their prey. Their keen sense of hearing and excellent underwater vision make them effective predators, and they often follow schools of fish, adapting their hunting techniques to the environment and available prey.
By adopting this seal, Seals Direct is not only helping to provide for its care and well-being but also contributing to broader conservation efforts aimed at protecting marine habitats and ensuring the survival of seal populations around the world. We are proud to support SeaLife Weymouth in their mission, and we encourage our community to learn more about these amazing animals and the important work being done to protect them.
Stay tuned for updates on our visit to SeaLife Weymouth and our ongoing efforts to support marine conservation. Together, we can make a difference for these incredible creatures and the ecosystems they call home.