Since 2022, the Weddell Seal Population Study has produced an audio podcast during the Weddell seal pupping season in Erebus Bay, Antarctica. Our audio podcast is available on both Apple Podcasts and Spotify. In our first episode of the 2024 Weddell pupping season, Prof. Jay Rotella tells us more about the goals for this season, and answers some of my questions about philopatry in Weddell seals. Philopatry is the tendency to return home to the place of a seal's birth to have pups of her own. And why some seals may not do so. Interview assistance from Field Team 2024 member, Sophia Rotella. This Study is funded by the National Science Foundation, through a grant managed through Montana State University. The opinions expressed in this podcast do not necessarily reflect those of either NSF or MSU. Here's our first audio podcast for 2024!

– Mary Lynn Price