QUESTION:
How do Elephant seals grow so big so fast? 
 
        Eric O., Second Grade Student
        Ms. Darter's Class
        J.J. Fray Elementary School
        Restburg, VA


ANSWER from Polly Penhale, Program Manager, Office of Polar Programs
            Tue, 25 Feb 97 11:18:33 EST


Dear Eric,

Elephant seals grow very fast because of the nutritional 
value of the milk they get from their mothers. The cow's milk we drink
has up to about 4% fat, while seal milk can have up to 40% fat (this 
is the value for Weddell seal milk--I don't know the exact percent for 
the elephant seal, but it's high). This highly caloric food allows the 
seals to grow quickly so that they are ready to feed on their own at 
the end of the Antarctic summer.

Thanks for your question!
Polly P.