Peekaboo – Australian Fur Seal

Drawing the Australian fur seal was a joy for several reasons: the experience of getting reference photos at Seal Rocks, Phillip Island, making the work look wet, and learning about their successful comeback story.

The sealing industry decimated the population of fur seals from several hundreds of thousands to an estimated 20,000 by the early 1900’s. Extinction was a real possibility. Killing seals was banned in Victoria 50 years ago in 1975.

My artwork wouldn’t have been possible without successful conservation efforts that have resulted in the Australian fur seal population rebounding to around 100,000. They have my gratitude.

With extinction facing many of our Australian species (majority are human-related causes), we can take courage from the fur seals’ story. Despite the world being turbulent and difficult to navigate, our actions when applied correctly and consistently will help us rise above and make a positive difference.