Sunday, May 10, 2009

A Mother Seal's Love

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Shell Beach Tidepool, La Jolla
Since today is Mother's Day, I thought of writing something related to a mother's natural love. A mother's great and natural love for her offsprings is not limited to humans alone, but that natural love is present in other life's forms. In honor of all mothers, this post shares images of a mother's natural love. Love, the most heartfelt, the most caring, is a natural companion of motherhood.

Mom Seal and Pup Feeding Pair
The absence of mother's love is almost contrary to nature. Since I live close to the ocean, and the most observable wildlife for me would be the marine mammals, I decided to share some images here of a mother seal's nurturing love for her young.

Mother Seal Teaching Her Pup Independence
Harbor seals are marine mammals. In San Diego, they are mostly found hauling out on beaches near La Jolla Children's Pool, or on top of rocks. They have to haul out everyday because they need to absorb heat from the sun and they can not maintain their body temperature if they stay in the frigid water of the Pacific coast all the time. They choose a haul out area which is abundant with fish, shell fish, octupus, squid and othe small marine creatures.
Another reason why seals haul out is to give birth. The pups (young seals) are raised in the beaches and estuaries because they are still not old enough to swim fast and they still have to grow blubbers to keep them warm in the cold seas.

Mom and Pup Pair on their Swimming Lesson
The mother seals teach their pups to swim and find their feed in the tide pools and shallow waters near the beach. The pups are born with very weak immune system, they develop their immunity as they drink their mother's milk.

Mom Seal Guiding Her Pup on Shore
The mother seal frequently goes out alone to sea to feed, leaving her pup alone on the beach. While walking along the Pacific shores, you may encounter a pup seal alone on the beach, please know it is most probably not abandoned. The mother may not be that far feeding in the seas. If a lone pup is seen, please do not attempt to move, touch or disturb the pup, as the mother seal may have a difficulty finding her pup later. Also, seal has very strong sense of smell, if mother smells her pup has been handled by humans, she may not return to take care of the pup.

After the mother seal is done feeding, she returns to her pup and lavish her pup with attention. She grooms, caresses, kisses, nozzles her baby constantly. They are such a sweet sight of a mother's tender, caring, and nurturing love. She also nurses her baby with her nutirent rich milk. They spend much time playing, lying on sand, and sleeping.

Mom and Pup Sleeping Together
When the baby seal has gained enough weight, learned how to swim fast to catch their feed, their mom will finally let them be.
Happy Mother's Day to all our moms.
♥♥
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28 comments:

  1. A beautiful tribute, Betchai! A wonderful post, and incredible photos!

    Have a happy day and always!

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  2. A good one. I like seals. I think mothers are why mammals have learned to be intelligent, especially humans.

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  3. betchai, this is so precious and perfect for Mother's Day. Thanks so much for sharing it with us.

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  4. It is a new learning experience on Mother's Day. You have shared a good post and pictures.

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  5. Those are such cute photos. Thank you for sharing them.

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  6. The joys of motherhood ... I love your insight ! Those are beautiful pictures ! Thanks Bethchai !

    posted by KalachuChay

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  7. Mothers (whether human or animal) are God's blessing to everyone! Good captured moments as always Betchai! :)

    Have a great day! :)

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  8. I already twitted about this post. Hope a lot will take a look and appreciate it more. :)

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  9. I love seals...beautiful creatures! Happy Mother's day to you and to all mothers.

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  10. Thank you betchai, for letting us all remember mothers come in all forms. I am not sure how animals thank their mothers, but I hope they do. It seems harder than even raising human children.

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  11. That's a very nice post! A wonderful tribute for all mothers. This shows exactly how mothers are in nature. Happy mother's day!

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  12. Beautiful post! How wonderful that you live where you can observe those fascinating creatures!

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  13. Aww that is soo cute. Lovely photos! It is beautiful to know a mother's love is universal.

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  14. The reason why i frequent your blog is that i learn a lot in every visit.You not only entertain us,you wow us with your posts.

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  15. Beautiful post and lovely pictures. I learned something about seals, too.

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  16. thanks best! you are the best as always :)

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  17. Now I know I shouldn't touch a lone pup on a beach. :) So many new things to learn from this site! You are truly a teacher at heart Betchai, and it shines through this Mother's Day tribute. Thanks for sharing such an insightful post.

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  18. Seals are so cute, but they sure do smell bad.

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  19. I've always loved seals, and I could not forget the series of posts at La Jolla in your other blog where you got these seals featured.

    This is indeed a good mother's day feature. Unique one! Thumbs up!

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  20. A great post as always, Betchai. I always learn new things on your posts. Keep it up!

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  21. WOW! A mother seal's love is great. Very heart warming post for Mother's Day.

    Thank you so much Betchai for visiting us after we got back here, it was nice hearing from you again, your comment was wonderful. Also, it's my first time here in your new blog, I have to catch up reading... I will also include you in our bloggers' list ok? Take care and thank you for the kind words!


    Debbie :)

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  22. What a super tribute and all around great post, love the images.

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  23. Ang cu-cute naman nito.....a very adorable "analogy" to a mother's love.

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  24. Wonderful photos of one of my favorite places on earth. Reminds me a bit of Monterrey, where I will be headed very soon.


    peace,
    mike
    livelife365

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  25. Such a rare moment! I'm glad you managed to capture and share it with us :)

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  26. They look so cosy together. Great image in deed!

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  27. I love seals! Those pictures are so great, as usual!

    Kelly

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THANK YOU SO MUCH!!