The Australian Fur Seal, along with the Cape Fur Seal, is the largest of the fur seals. Males (bulls) are approximately 2 -2.3 metres long and weigh 218-360kg, and females (cows) are  approximately 1.5 metres long and 36-113kg.

Bulls are dark greyish-brown with a mane of coarse hair. Cows and immature seals are silver-grey to brown with a creamy yellow throat and chest.

They are called fur seals because they have two layers of fur: the outer layer of dark guard hairs is on top, with an undercoat so light, thick and dense that the skin stays dry even when the animal is underwater.

Australian Fur Seals belong to the group of seals called otariidae, or eared seals. They have external ear flaps. Their front legs are flippers and their hind legs are rear-facing, which means they can swivel under the body for rapid movement
on land.

The seals moult, breed, and rest on land, congregating on rock platforms, reefs, and rocky or pebbly beaches. They also use structures such as beacons and oil platforms as 'land' at sea.

OUR SEALS

Silva
Rescued 20 years ago, Silva was found tangled in a discarded fishing net. The net had cut so deeply into her that it took months for her to recover. She still bears the scar around her neck.

Gordo
Found starving on a Warrnambool beach as a young pup, Gordo is named after the keeper who nursed him back to health.

Tarwin
After crossing 6km of land in search of food, Tarwin was found at a farm near Victoria's Tarwin River. She was rescued and brought back to heath. Tarwin was released into the wild , but was returned to us soon after , unable to fend for herself.

Bay
Bay came to Melbourne Zoo in 2007 after she was found washed up on a beach in Western Port Bay malnourished.  Being extremely playful and slightly mischievous, Bay loves learning new behaviours and playing with the other seals.