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Harp Seal

Pagophilus groenlandicus

“Innocence”

Harp seals are strong swimmers, feeding on fish and spending much of the year at sea.  Migrating in late winter to breeding grounds, the pups are born on the pack ice and until they are about 2 weeks old, bear fluffy white coats.

Artists note: the fluffy white coat of the pup is highly valued in the fur trade.  In the 1960's, public indignation at the sealers methods of clubbing to death tens of thousands of newborn pups led to increased regulations and supervision of sealing activities with regard to humane killing.  Public disapproval continued, rallied by efforts of protective organizations…

…Fur is dead…