CARVED SEALS
Carved wooden seals six inches long. £3 each.
To purchase by mail order please contact either by phone or e-mail first to confirm the item you desire is still in stock, and for details of post and packaging charges. Payments by cheque or postal order.
ROOTS EMPORIUM HOMEPAGE
Facts about seals.
Two species of seal can be found around the coastline of Britain, the Atlantic or grey seal and the common seal.
Seals expel most of the air from their lungs prior to diving. This stops too much pressure building up as they dive deep and prevents the bends! Their muscles function by producing energy aneorbicly (without oxygen) with a side product called lactic acid. When the seal is able to breathe again Oxygen reacts with the lactic acid and breaks it down. (humans also do this when exercising vigorously and then resting).
The Walrus uses it tusks to help it move over the ice as well as to ferret for food.
Some species of seals sleep under water, rising to breath and then submerging again without waking. And you thought sleep walking to the pantry was impresive.
The animals commonly seen performing with balls at circuses and marine parks are Sealions, not "true seals". Unlike the true seals sealions hind linds can bend forward make them more adept at moving quicker over land. The above carvings are based on the "true seals" of the family Phocidae, which have their hind limbs permanently pointing back.
The Weddell seal has been quoted as diving to a depth of two thousand feet and staying submerged for forty three minutes.
Seal links
Save Our SealsSeal sanctuary
The Common Seal factsheet of The Mammal Society
The Grey Seal factsheet of The Mammal Society
Grey seals at UK Safari
Common seals at UK Safari