Life Span and Cycle
The average lifespan for the Southern Elephant Seal is 20 to 22 years. The males sexually reach maturity between the ages of 3-6 but only start to breed at the age of 10. The females reach sexually maturity between the ages of 2-4. The females begin to give birth and breed in September and November. 10 days after coming ashore. The new pups leave the breeding ground 5-8 weeks later to feed, if there is no food the pups rely on their body fat until they can find the food they need.