Guinness World Records
Issue Date: 2 March 2002





Largest Bull Elephant Seal

The largest accurately measured specimen of the elephant seal was a bull which weighed at least 4 tonnes (8818lb) and measured 6.5m (21ft 4in) after flensing (stripping of the blubber or skin).



Largest Pinniped

The largest of the 34 known species of pinniped is the Southern Elephant Seal (Mirounga leonina) of the sub-Antarctic Islands. Bulls average about 5m (16ft) in length. The largest accurately measured bull weighed at least 4 tonnes (8818lb) and measured 6.5m (21ft 4in).

Largest Pinniped - alive

The largest reported live specimen is a bull nicknamed "Stalin" from South Georgia weighing 2662kg (5869lb) and 5.1m (16ft 9in) in length, recorded by members of the British Antarctic Survey on 14 October 1989.

Most Dangerous Pinniped

The carnivorous Leopard Seal (Hydrurga leptonyx) is the only species with a reputation for apparently unprovoked attacks on people.

Heaviest Mammal

A female Blue Whale weighing 190 tonnes (418,877lb) and measuring 27.6m (90ft 5in) in length was caught in the Southern Ocean on 20 March 1947.

Longest Mammal

A female Blue Whale measuring 33.58m (110ft 2in) landed in 1909 at Grytviken, South Georgia.

Deepest Dive by a Mammal

The deepest authenticated dive by a mammal was made by a bull Sperm Whale off the coast of Dominica, in 1991. It was recorded as being 2000m (6500ft) deep and lasted 1 hour 13 minutes.

Loudest Animal Sound

The loudest animal sound is the low frequency pulses made by Blue Whales (Balaenoptera musculus) and Fin Whales (B. physalus). It has reached as much as 188dB.

Lung Power Endurance

Elephant Seals in the Antarctic can dive to 1828m (6000ft) and can stay submerged for up to two hours.





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