South Georgia | dakotareflections.com

South Georgia is a 100 mile long island located over 800 miles southeast of the Falkland Islands. The weather is harsh with cold, wind and frequent precipitation. The rich seas surrounding South Georgia support millions of penguins and seals. King, macaroni, gentoo and chinstrap penguins live there. Several type of albatrosses are also found.

South Georgia is home to 95 percent of the world's antarctic fur seals. Male fur seals live 15 years while females live around 25 years. Males are up to 6 feet long and can weigh nearly 500 pounds. Pups are born in late November to early January and are nursed for 4 months. Southern elephant seals can weight as much as 8000 pounds. Dominant males have large harems and are known as "beachmasters." Pups are born in October and nursed for over 3 weeks when their mothers return to the sea to feed. The pups swim to the sea when 5 weeks old. Adult elephant seals can dive to nearly 8000 feet and can hold their breath up to 2 hours.

Since South Georgia is only accessible by sea, few visitors travel there. South Georgia is home to the British Antarctica Survery. Sir Ernest Shackleton, the famous Antarctica explore is buried at the Whaler's Cemetery in Grytviken along with his first mate, Frank Wild.

South Georgia