Freedom to Rest—Elephant Seals Migration to Piedras Blancas
Female Elephant Seals spend most of their time at sea solitarily foraging the open ocean. In early May I fell among them, pointing and clicking my camera, to capture some rest.
“Are you cold?” asked the volunteer docent, a kind elderly man with grey eyes and a gentle way. “I have an extra windbreaker you can borrow.”
I hesitated long enough to delve into his face—haven’t seen this for a while—unconditional help from another—it warmed me. “You know I should be cold,” I said lightly touching his fingers. “Like these ladies on the beach, I’ve reached a time where I seem to haul my own heat source.”
Mr. Docent laughed, no I think guffawed, as he launched into his prepared informational speech.
“The seals have been coming to Piedras Blancas only since 1990 after being hunted nearly to extinction for the oil from their blubber. This is one case where the development of kerosene and refined petroleum has had a positive effect, leaving the seals without commercial value. We estimate that there are now over 250,000 of these creatures.”
“Are they really all females?” I asked.
“This time of year, yes. There are some male juveniles that you’ll see sparring in the surf. However, like clockwork, when the molt is done, and the females return to the sea, the sub adult males that have reached puberty will arrive to breed with them before they leave. What I find the most interesting is that although pregnant the fertilized egg she is carrying will not implant in the uterus wall until after her next May molt. She will then spend her pregnancy alone at sea to return in December to give birth.”
A school bus door opened on the bluff above and dozens of human sub-adults poured forth—males jousting for position—females crowding together protecting their real estate on the boardwalk. It all seemed right and necessary. At the same time, I wondered, could female humans, if they set their minds to it, control their bodies to bring timely births? To be pregnant and give birth, after having the freedom to rest, could be what is needed to bring unconditional help and love to another species–one that lives mostly chaotic lives on land.
JUN
2018
About the Author:
Elaine Webster writes fiction, creative non-fiction, essays and poetry from her studio in Las Cruces, New Mexico—in the heart of the Land of Enchantment. “It’s easy to be creative surrounded by the beauty of Southern New Mexico. We have the best of everything—food, art, culture, music and sense of community.”