Elephant seal visits Victorian seaside towns

2023-08-19浙江周晨曲

疯狂英语·新悦读 2023年7期

浙江周晨曲

象海豹是一种行动缓慢、反应迟钝的动物。人们轻轻地来到它的身旁，它竟会毫无知觉。但有一点必须注意，千万不要绕到它的身后去，否则它会对你大发雷霆，发出一阵又一阵吼声。

主题语境：野生动物篇幅：337词建议用时：6分钟

1An adventurous elephant seal named Henry caused quite a noisy confusion over the summer holidays when he appeared on a Victorian beach a couple of days after causing damage in the streets of another seaside town.

2The super-sized elephant seal drew a large crowd of onlookers, while the police and wildlife officers cleared the area and his path back to the water.But three days later, Henry reappeared.Again, Henry became known among people in the area, leading the authorities (官方) to close the beach and issue a warning to stay away.“We know it's exciting to see such large and unique animals on our beaches, but a photo or video opportunity is not worth risking your or an elephant seal's safety,”said Kate Gavens.Ms Gavens said wildlife authorities were disappointed to see onlookers get dangerously close to the animal.

3Elephant seals are known to visit and rest on Victorian beaches and can become defensive if approached by humans or other animals, so it is important for people to keep at least 30 m away or 50 m away if with a dog.Elephant seals and other wildlife are protected under the Victorian law.People who injure, disturb, chase, herd or feed seals on purpose will face a fine of up to$3,698.

4Southern elephant seals are named after the large nose of the adult males, which is used to make loud sounds.Male elephant seals are known as bulls and females are called cows.They are the largest seal species.Adult males weigh up to 3,000 kg, adult females weigh 300 kg-900 kg and pups weigh about 40 kg at birth.Henry is thought to be aged about five and weigh 500 kg,which means he is still growing.

5Elephant seals are big and heavy on land, but superb swimmers and divers.Biologists have recorded them diving up to 2 km deep and holding their breath under water for up to two hours.They spend about two minutes on the surface of the water between dives,with most dives lasting 30 minutes and to a depth of 300 m to 800 m.