How Antarctica’s Cutest Baby Seals Grow Up I Antarctic Extremes

Penguin lovers, take note: Baby Weddell seals might actually be cutest animals in all of Antarctica (and we’re talking a continent the size of the United States and Mexico combined).
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And for more baby seals, check out NOVA's Polar Lab: to.pbs.org/3aLUMS1
Inhabiting the Ross Sea-as far south as McMurdo Sound-Weddell seals (Leptonychotes weddellii) have the most southerly distribution of any mammal on Earth. Scientists began studying a breeding population of Weddell seals in 1968 and quickly found out these pinnipeds don’t always have it easy. Giving birth and raising young is particularly challenging in Antarctica’s extreme conditions, forcing Weddell moms and pups to bear sub-zero temperatures and prevailing winds. How do they manage to do it so gracefully? (OK: they’re admittedly way more graceful in the water than on land.) To find out, NOVA hosts Caitlin and Arlo travel to an Antarctic Weddell seal colony during pupping season. Once there, they meet with seal biologist Jay Rotella-and the downright adorable newborn seals he studies.
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Hosted by Caitlin Saks and Arlo Pérez
Editor/Digital Associate Producer: Arlo Pérez
Producer: Caitlin Saks
Field Director/Cinematographer: Zachary Fink
Executive Producer: Julia Cort
Coordinating Producer: Elizabeth Benjes
Project Director: Pamela Rosenstein
Post Production: Jay Colamaria
Production Assistance: Matthew Buckley, Emily Pattison, Sean Cuddihy
Audio Mix: Heart Punch Studio
Director of Audience Development: Dante Graves
Senior Digital Producer: Ari Daniel
Audience Engagement Editor: Sukee Bennett
Outreach Manager: Gina Varamo
Special thanks to the United States Antarctic Program
Additional Footage: Alasdair Turner, Jay Rotella, Jean Pennycook, Jesse DeVoe, Mary Lynn Price, McMurdo Oceanographic Observatory, Paul Cziko, Robert Robbins, Steven Rupp
Music: APM, Axletree/Free Music Archive
National corporate funding for NOVA is provided by Draper. Major funding for NOVA is provided by the David H. Koch Fund for Science, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and PBS viewers. Additional funding is provided by the NOVA Science Trust.
Major funding for this project is provided by the National Science Foundation. Additional funding is provided by the Heising-Simons Foundation, The Kendeda Fund, the George D. Smith Fund, and the Richard Saltonstall Charitable Foundation.
This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 1713552. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.
Footage of seals was obtained under the authority of NMFS MMPA permit nos.1032-1917, 17236, & 21158
© WGBH Educational Foundation 2020

[@cameronb7161]

Underwater: *beeps clicks and chirps* On land: "EEEEEGGG!!"

[@Blis-0WHATow]

Cameron B The only reason they come out from the water is to constantly look for eggs, so that’s why whenever they get back on land, they say.. “EEEEEEGGGGGG!!”

[@tristangellert495]

Don't forget Fish'b

[@oooooroK]

You mean ‘Fibsh’ ‘leggg’ ಥ_ಥ

[@Mirandorl]

mibph

[@tenno5509]

"AAAAAAAAAAA" "egg"

[@strawberrymilksamurai]

"Seal-iously excited" "Crack connoisseur" Whoever is in charge of those descriptions deserves a raise

[@ArloPerez]

I wholeheartedly agree 😂

[@aegion4273]

I agree 😂😂

[@galaxchen5942]

Arlo does the editing right? So I'm going to assume he gave himself that title lmaoooo

[@poweroftruth9258]

The Bible says in John 3:16-36 that whoever believes in the Lord Jesus Christ shall not perish but have everlasting life, the Bible also says in Romans 10:9 that those who declare with their mouth that Jesus Christ is their God, Lord, and Savior they shall be saved. Revelation 1:8 says that Jesus is the alpha and the omega. Luke and revelation is the ending times, and Jesus is returning back. So are you going to submit your life to him or no? Narrow is the path that leads to the gates of heaven, but only few people find it. The gates that is the path to destruction is where many people find it! Jesus loves you SO MUCH! That he died on the cross, and was resurrected from the dead 3 days later to give us eternal life..!.!.

[@user-vl7vn9yu6m]

2:39 Jay : So it'll go from about the size of a second grader to an NfL football playet in 30 days Adult seal : Yeah...

[@himarisan_8193]

Correction:player

[@italkshyt14]

😂😂😂 “YAAAAAH!!”

[@cathydeclaro7984]

Lmfao im dying😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@JurassicLion2049]

😂😂😂 omfg

[@AphidKirby]

this feels like something you could only find in high pay documentary subscription services, I'm so glad you're making it so accesible!! thank you!

[@chocolatereigns]

I thought the same thing! I watched the first episode and kept thinking I was going to hit a paywall, but nope! I love it and hope it does well!

[@u-sintiau8824]

That's what public broadcasting should be.

[@AlexKeyes299]

Do you people not know that 4k cameras are just extremely accessible and way cheaper now. Jfc boomers

[@dauwg99]

Outstanding story telling by two outstanding hosts!

[@laqcuari98]

"You know, it's really beautiful if you ignore all the poop and blood." Arlo's words of wisdom

[@ArloPerez]

It's also applicable to many situations!

[@smarty265]

"everyone has an idea what Antarctica looks like" everyone: yeah ice flat earthers: THICC WALL WITH MAFIA PENGUINS

[@Lolmanik]

Lmao

[@arcupix3796]

@Squidtastic OWO *y e s*

[@pbsvoices]

We could watch those baby seals for hours!

[@gretchenfrench2146]

YES almost as adorable as a sea otter pup

[@Northstander]

Fantastic pictures...far closer than I have ever managed to get to a seal colony.

[@daisychain3007]

Yes, they are so sweet,PBS. I wonder whether those people who made the video actually saw the Aurora Australia (Southern Lights) there?

[@goblinandslimefromTH.]

Even the spheals in pokemon

[@chunkykat9000]

I can’t be the only one that forgot that seals poop

[@pillowmoment]

You forget animals poop all the time It’s- It’s human nature

[@chunkykat9000]

Over-Reactive Kitty-Melon no just seals, I mean when was the last time you saw a seal poop. I didn’t necessarily “forget” I just never thought about it.

[@xeros4000]

i assumed they did it in water.

[@yogogoyogirlyogogoyo]

Yeah, National Geographic never shows the poop. So much for raw nature.

[@trashgo_dd]

I always thought the rainbow thing that always fades and fades away was the poop..

[@chocolatereigns]

As a currently breastfeeding mother, my mind was blown a bit by the growth rate of those seals. That's amazing! 😯

[@caitlinsaks4910]

I know! And it was the most adorable thing to watch... we had to cut it down substantially for the episode, but we just sat there for maybe 20 mins watching "Arlo" breastfeed.

[@ArloPerez]

@@caitlinsaks4910It was really uncomfortable to have you stare at me for 20 minutes but 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@kari7403]

@@caitlinsaks4910 are you guys ever going to release any of that edited footage? Like maybe put I all together in a longer documentary. I would have the hardest time filming and editing stuff like that. Not because it would b3 unenjoyable or anything. But because I wouldn't want to edit out ANYTHING! I would have the hardest time deciding which clips are just slightly more awesome than the others. So I have a lot of respect for what you guys do. Im glad you guys do what you do. Thanks for taking the journey and sharing ir with us all!

[@pbsterra]

@@kari7403 It was indeed hard to cut. We spent A LOT of time in the edit room staring at baby seals!

[@belphegor1662]

@@ArloPerez lol

[@a180combatbowsergamepro6]

2:37 So it will grow from the size of a second grader to a nfl football player in about a month Seal mom:YEAUUUUUUHH

[@MoonEyedAzriel]

Underwater: *super cool alien and space sounds* Abovewater: EEEEEEEGPH! MIBPH! LEGPH!

[@daniellongcop1899]

I'm sorry but the *arlo's crack* gets me everytime

[@mohit5496]

😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@revinaque1342]

"Crack Connoisseur" has so many possible connotations, each of them worse than the last 😂

[@anaaceves3341]

OMG, these seals are soooo precious-except for all the poop!

[@lmeza1983]

Just like people lol

[@marcuspoosz2190]

@@lmeza1983 eh i dont think any humans are precious, ngl. not even me lol

[@marcuspoosz2190]

@Ghost Simon Riley i preferr not to be eaten by a human. i rather get drowned or something else

[@revenevan11]

There's something so strikingly poignant about the scene with the newborn seal. It just sums up so much about life; the hostile environment, the gritty reality of birth (with the blood and poop included, standing out against the white ice), but also the tender first moments of a mother welcoming her new baby into the world. Even in this hostile environment, there's a seal pup feeling safe and loved and protected at a home with no predators, cuddling with their mother. There's such stark contrast with the bright red blood against the ice, and also between one of the coldest and harshest environments on earth and the sacred comfort and innocence of a carefree childhood. It's absolutely beautiful, moving, and full of meaning that speaks to my soul.

[@billDgundam817DFW]

you just described what I think most people felt or thought at watching this!! Thank You

[@Ammiragliosalvatorefortissimo]

Yours are beautiful words

[@Lrr_Of_Omikron]

The part with the mom trying to get the pup in the water was adorable.

[@noone5581]

Meanwhile. Friend: Whats that? Me: Hugging pillows

[@starshipcommand183]

I came here because of DEEP PEEPS!!!!!

[@pbsterra]

WELCOME DEEP PEEPS

[@azbart3326]

Sent here from Deep Look (as they told me to inform you about😏) Really cool documentary! This channel deserves many more subscribers.

[@kariferg5033]

The moment when the baby seal gets so close to the camera is SO cute!!!!!!!!

[@cindyfosterowens223]

I miss being in Antarctica! Such a breathtaking place.

[@IntrepidFraidyCat]

Ooo! What did you do there?

[@cindyfosterowens223]

@@IntrepidFraidyCat I worked in Transportation and Logistics--my last few seasons I worked getting the science groups equipment for their research.

[@IntrepidFraidyCat]

@@cindyfosterowens223 Sounds interesting...especially in a place like that.

[@stormchazer3068]

Comments help the video, become more popular by the KZbin algorithm, it can be anything even a dot. And that this channel was mentioned in Reddit and is super cool. Just hoping you gain some money back from the documentary.

[@ArloPerez]

Thank you so much for the support! :) And we definitely would love more views- although, we are actually not making any money from this. We just want to show how amazing life in Antarctica really is, and shed some light on the science going on there.

[@sneakysnek8416]

.

[@randomguy263]

Guess I'm leaving a comment then.

[@carmenschumann826]

. . . here are my 2 Cents . . .

[@TinyJamako]

. ^^

[@FatSynthDude]

This has become my favorite series to watch during my lunchbreaks. I find this continent so fascinating that I have recurring dreams about Antarctica. It's like an alien world right here on our own planet. Amazing.

[@urbanwarchief]

A great start to help for space travel

[@beanlets]

Seal's faces are my sanity manager during this quarantine

[@allisoneck2393]

You guys!! This is really beautiful. Proud of you, Caitlin and Arlo.

[@marshmallow7746]

2:03 excuse me while I bawl my eyes out over this seal 😩😭😭😭

[@vonnie0_0]

Deep look brought me here, this is absolutely beautiful and very cute.

[@ghanialfarizi7487]

ಠ_ಠ

[@ZuluRomeo]

That newborn seal is the cutest thing I have ever seen.

[@LordSandwichII]

I love that the documentary is filled with humour and has a personal touch. It's not something that you always see in these types of documentaries.

[@wholesome_masochist4113]

Me: *Wants to do this for a living* School degrees: Allow us to introduce ourselves with 2 years of meaningless bs and 4 more of torture.

[@BeanOnTheFlipside]

What do you mean "unesscary bs" its very necessary for you to know what is the animal and how is it and determine its gender you will also need years of experience with internships

[@wholesome_masochist4113]

When I said "unnecessary bs" I was referring to the 2 years of "basic English and math" needed for an associate's degree.

[@BeanOnTheFlipside]

@@wholesome_masochist4113 pog

[@wholesome_masochist4113]

@@BeanOnTheFlipside ???

[@BeanOnTheFlipside]

@@wholesome_masochist4113 POG

[@Ecotasia]

I love Weddell seals, they make such a strange a beautiful sound under the ice

[@papamauryc2300]

Baby seals are some of the cutest things you can experience no doubt

[@mertboyali509]

Came here from deep look and was not disappointed, hopefully this channel grows soon

[@semaj_5022]

I'm so glad I found out about this! This is something special. First two episodes were amazing. I swear PBS puts out pure gold. Eons, SpaceTime, and It's Okay To Be Smart, and now this.

[@NatureWitch]

Aww 😍 they are so cute. It looks so pretty there. But I'm cold just watching this.

[@junesilvermanb2979]

en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cold

[@SathvickSatish]

Omg I never knew they made such noises underwater! How do they even make that??? So freakin cool!!!

[@lizardbreathh]

Oh my gosh I was smiling through the whole video! Adorable seals and stunning landscape

[@cmd0317]

2:02 🥺🥺💙💙

[@ve3eby]

Amazing high quality video production. Congratulations to the whole team. Can't wait to see more. Spread the word everyone.

[@lindasaks986]

Fascinating look into doing research in Antarctica. Can’t wait for the next episode.

[@RockSimmer-gal4God]

That’s awesome that they are naming the seals. Seals are playful and freindly

[@flowerbomb188]

Adorable cutest baby seals.

[@cjthibeau4843]

LOVE! I have always loved learning about seals and baby seals especially so this is a great episode in the start of a brand new show!

[@emmabeeson9884]

Such a well-produced and adorable video! 😍 Weddell seals forever. ❤️

[@ArloPerez]

Thank you Emily :)

[@KynaByrd]

Sent from Deep Look and I am so excited to watch the rest of the series. Thank you so much for all your hard work in making this documentary!

[@johnkarpierz9147]

What lovely sounds they make.

[@catataf]

"Seal-iously excited" !!! 😂

[@allared9008]

The guys are doing good work, seals are so precious!

[@jimdelsol1941]

They are absolutly adorable.

[@sillymiaow]

they are so chunky oh my goddddd. I want to SQUISH. THEY SING SO BEAUTIFULLY.

[@caitlinsaks4910]

We wanted to pet them, too! But... we couldn't. There are strict rules protecting the seals. (Marine Mammal Protection Act). We had to get a special permit just to get anywhere close.

[@bb-gb7jv]

@@caitlinsaks4910 are you a scientist in Antarctica? Is yes, that's so cool (no pun intended)

[@rayrocher6887]

Thanks for helping the baby seals, cared about saving the artic precious animals, amen good pbs and Nova

[@biojaeson]

2:02 I die

[@irishgn08]

The seals are so cute! I loved the puns, and wish there were more

[@chuppyonline]

So beautiful! Glad to have been recommended this!

[@saelkyl]

Caitlyn and Arlo have incredible rapport. They make this channel so engrossing and approachable.

[@juliaschmidt6511]

A wonderful place on earth.

[@mettaton9005]

I saw the picture of the video I said AWWWW and had to click

[@khango6138]

Thank you for bringing these amazing science adventures to us!

[@somebodyelse9130]

This is really cool, I didn't realize Antarctica was so varied and interesting. Also fun to learn about seals!

[@simone7511]

cutest blobs ive ever seen

[@pbsterra]

Good blobs 10/10 v boopable

[@Alisa-um6xj]

Beautiful natural environment

[@xTetraMuffinsx]

Love seals, love the fun staff descriptions, love Deep Look. Nice video!

[@9920fsvk]

This is one of the most beautiful documentaries I have seen. Thank you guys

[@vibinqx]

I never would thought I’d watch these kinds of videos and enjoy them so much

[@leo309]

I don't know why,but this series makes me shed tears,it's because I want to go to another country so bad but it feels so far away, just as Antarctica feels, perhaps to get to beautiful places, you'll just have to work harder and harder

[@homosapien5684]

This whole series feels like a nice cozy hallmark movie

[@yoghaalhajirin1468]

Referred From Deep Look to this amazing documentary channel!! Didn't regret anything...!! Hope this channel will grow bigger and bigger!! Quality and professional documentary. I keep whoa-ing (if that's a word) until the end of the vid. Awesome!! 😁😁

[@smittywerbenjagermanjensen6286]

Jay's a really great guy, very passionate about what he does. I've had the pleasure of attending a few of his lectures at Montana State.

[@narmale]

so wonderfull to see natural mothers... without all their makeup on... very wholesome :D keep up the great work!

[@jamarante88]

What a fantastic documentary series! Thank you for the amazing work!

[@Pat097]

Aw what cute pups 💗

[@juliedsonartur3956]

It was amazing!!! Please don't stop to produce more of these excellent videos!

[@anscerram9816]

Sent by Deep Look and honestly you had me at Antarctic documentary ^^ ♡

[@christianedelmann6880]

Came here from deep look. Really excited to see what this channel brings!!

[@toothpasteboyralsei9663]

Seals are so cute >w< I wanna hug one!

[@Rat_boy-]

Thanks you so much for this video! I love seals so much and you are fantastic

[@gioortiz2197]

1 million subs 2020 let's make it happen!!!!!!

[@Mysha.21]

So beautiful ♥️

[@grubsuu5258]

here from deep look, and im glad i came! ❤❤ thanks for the amazing sights and wonderful information

[@zeenasworld]

Wow to see my favorite animal the seals in their home it is sure heaven. I am so happy. Name one Zeena after me. Love it.

[@wilsonlin9795]

Lol love the Arlo’s crack

[@josephyang4997]

These seals are so adorable and floppy on land.

[@PuffPuffPomf]

HOW DO THOSE RESEARCHERS FEEL LIVING MY DREAM

[@mostafasultan3049]

wow they are so cute thanks for this footage

[@sanjogpawar1874]

Came from deep look and im pretty impressed

[@mizzshortie907]

What a beautiful series thanks you guys

[@kathleenbuckley9953]

Love the baby seals!

[@ArloPerez]

Aren't they the best? Thank you Kathleen :)

[@yanshi3942]

Hope this channel grows like that baby seal! Great watch

[@carleahazzard2657]

I liked the nod to 'fantastic beasts' in the title... lol Also great show so far! Cant wait for more videos!

[@caitlinsaks4910]

YESSS! So satisfied that someone got it :) Glad you are enjoying the series so far! Lots more to come...

[@pillowmoment]

I don’y see that ??? I’ve read the title 6 times

[@anthonyreis3533]

Just commenting to help the YT algorithm do its thing.

[@GeoAlex71]

Thanks, your documentary is very cool, keep going guys >>>

[@kathleenbuckley9953]

Great job NOVA as usual.

[@sentientpotato_]

Never knew I needed this until Blake sent me here. ❤️

[@thevampirecielphantomhive2342]

Awww so adorable

[@sollerhollersoulblade6126]

Cuteness Overload 🤗🤗🤗

[@vedgehawk13]

this is beautiful, thank you

[@msjademarvel1542]

Thank you for making this! I love this video, it's so interesting!

[@asherperkinsmusic2767]

Great stuff! More people should see this

[@TigersharkAirlines]

Deep Look sent me here. Awesome channel! Subscribed and can’t wait to see more videos. :-)

[@laura.k5819]

2:42 From the size to a football player Seal mother : whaaaaaaaaaaaaat!!!