Mar del Plata monitors newborn elephant seal and implements new wildlife protections

A southern elephant seal pup, nicknamed Alfredito, was born on the coast of Mar del Plata, Argentina, near the Saturnino Unzué Institute. Local authorities and researchers from the UNMdP-CONICET Marine Mammal Research Group are conducting permanent monitoring to ensure the health of the pup and its mother, Perla.

Experts report that the pair is in good health, with the pup showing gradual weight gain and successful nursing. The pup has passed the critical first 72-hour period, which typically accounts for 80 percent of calf mortality. A third juvenile elephant seal also recently arrived on the same beach.

The presence of these animals has accelerated the approval of a local ordinance in the General Pueyrredón district. The new regulation establishes sanctions for individuals who disturb or harm wild animals. Specific measures include maintaining a prudent distance from wildlife and requiring drones to fly at a minimum altitude of 150 meters to prevent stress to the animals.