Ukrainian Antarctic researchers select name for first seal born this year – photos
Ukrainian polar explorers have chosen a name for this year's first Weddell seal pup, which was born on Winter Island near the Vernadskyi Research Base. It was named in honour of a Ukrainian-made uncrewed surface vessel.
Source: Ukraine's National Antarctic Research Centre
Details: The seal pup will be named SeaBaby Svitozarovych.
The cub received its patronymic from biologist Svitozar Davydenko, who was the first to find it.
The polar explorers received almost 400 ideas for names for the newborn seal. Among them were Mykola, Petryk, Hetman, Pager, Ponchyk, Schnitzel, Sirko, Frodo, Zymko, Torpi, Kavunchyk and even Pinhvin (Penguin).
The name SeaBaby was proposed by user Olha Sabanska, who will receive a chevron from the 29th expedition as a prize.
"We are sincerely grateful to everyone who contributed to the choice of the name. Don't be upset if you didn't manage to win this time – we will definitely hold more competitions and prize draws," the polar explorers emphasised.
SeaBaby is already 10 days old. He is actively growing and will soon begin to get acquainted with the ocean. Weddell seals start living independently and feeding in the water after the weaning period is over, approximately seven weeks after birth.
"Soon the SeaBabies will be not only in the Black Sea but also in the Southern Ocean," the polar explorers added.
Background: Another seal cub was recently born near the Vernadskyi station. There are also four pregnant females there.
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