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Península Valdés
NHK World Heritage 100 Series
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The Valdes Peninsula juts out into the South Atlantic Ocean in southern Argentina. Argentina's largest peninsula is characterized by forbidding cliffs rising 100 meters above the ocean. They protect the breeding grounds of endangered species from land-based predators.
Here a harem of females surrounds a single male elephant seal. They form the animal's largest harem in the breeding season. Detecting an intruder, the boss seal threatens it by making a loud noise through his large nose and by flaring his nostrils. The seal chases the intruder, who tried to seize one of his females. Predators also lurk in the ocean. Orcas are marine hunters and even attack and eat whales. They quietly approach their prey like a submarine and hit fast. The baby seals here are herded on the beach. The sea water is stained with blood. A baby seal was a victim.
April is the autumn season here in the southern hemisphere. With their breeding season over, the elephant seals set out to sea for their journey to the Antarctic. Another species of mammals arrives to take their place – sea lions. The pups are now around 3 months old, and their swimming skills are improving. But once the tides start coming in, precautions have to be taken. An orca appears. Orcas usually wander in the waters around the Valdes Peninsula, but come nearer to the shore during the elephant seal and sea lion breeding season. Going after a fleeing baby seal pup, the orca comes charging closer. It catches the seal in a fraction of a second. Its 8-ton body slides onto the beach to grab its prey. It skilfully manoeuvres its body to return to the sea. This unique approach to hunting is only seen among the group of orcas in this area. Here, on the Valdes Peninsula, the struggle for survival is a part of everyday.