One of the true giants of the Uruguayan coast, this Southern Elephant Seal (Mirounga leonina) made an unexpected appearance near the port of Punta del Este. While local sea lions are a common sight in the harbor, this visitor chose a quieter spot to rest.
The animal lay still on a bed of mussels, with the Atlantic tide occasionally washing over its skin. Its size and the absence of a large proboscis suggest this is likely a female or young sub-adult.
The deep, angular wounds on its head are likely bite marks from the breeding season — a common injury in this species, affecting both females and males. After this rest on the shell-covered shore, the seal will return to the ocean and continue its journey.
• Southern elephant seal
• Elefante marino del sur
Scientific classification:
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Carnivora
Suborder: Pinnipedia
Family: Phocidae
Genus: Mirounga
Species: M. leonina
Punta del Este, Maldonado, Uruguay
Camera: Canon EOS R7
Lens: Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM | Contemporary
Capture Information:
Focal Length: 157.0 mm
Shutter Speed: 1/400
Aperture: f/6.3
ISO: 100
Photo Taken: April 11, 2026
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