Gray seal

Halichoerus grypus

Mammalia · Carnivora · Phocidae

Fig. 1. Gray seal

Fig. 2. Range

Length or height	Body length about 2-2.5 m (males)
Weight	About 170-350 kg (males)
Food	Fish
Lifespan	About 25-35 years
Society	Breed in large colonies
Habitat	coastal
Range	North America, Europe
Wild or tame	Wild

Males have a long, arched "horse head" nose.

Observe: Look at the nose profile, then compare with the harbor seal.

Modern data

Status today

LCLeast concern status to verify

Conservation	Least concern; recovered in many areas after protection.
Keeper's note	Daily checks of appetite, movement and behavior; enrichment that changes from day to day.
Kingdom · phylum	Animalia · Chordata
Genus	Halichoerus

Check the record: IUCN Red List · GBIF · ITIS

See it elsewhere in the museum

Zoo: Polar coast zone

For classes

Lessons: The Mammal Hall: Weigh the cost of warmthPreviewThe Mammal Hall: What makes a mammal?PreviewThe Great Aquarium: Is a dolphin a fish?Preview

Drawer: Zoo: Polar coast

Quiz: Polar coast quiz · 5 questions