Journal Entry

School visits, web chats and Facebook – Oh My!

Now that the 2014-2015 school year is in full swing, the team and I have been on a mission to visit area schools and share information about the upcoming Weddell seal expedition scheduled to begin this November. But… have we been to your school? If not, we’d love to schedule a visit. We’ll even try to bring ‘Patrick’ along.

PatrickThis is Partick - the Pink Palace Museum project mascot.

Not from the Memphis area?

What’s that? You are not from the Memphis area. That’s OK - we can chat via the web. Or if you are in the Anchorage, AK area, maybe I can get a member of the science team to visit YOU. These visits are informative, educational and best of all FREE. But… we are booking up fast, so e-mail me at alex.eilers [at] memphistn.gov to schedule your visit today!

Welcome to our Facebook page!

The Weddell seal team can’t wait to share their expedition information with you. In fact, they are so excited that two graduate students - Amy Kirkham and Roxanne Beltran - have started a Facebook page about the project. Check out what those crazy graduate students have been up tohere.

Weddell Seal Biology Facebook pageLike us, leave a comment, or share the Weddell Seal Biology Facebook page with your friends!

Project Description

We are B-292, a research team that travels to McMurdo Station, Antarctica to learn more about the amazing Weddell seal. Our team includes Doctors Jennifer Burns and Ward Testa and graduate students Amy Kirkham and Roxanne Beltran of the University of Alaska Anchorage. Educator, Alex Eilers, graduate student, Michelle Shero and veterinarian Rachel Berngartt are also a part of this year’s team.

The team is studying how Weddell seals spend their summers. The Antarctic summer is between October and February and it is a busy time for these animals; they give birth to pups, raise their young, go on foraging trips, and grow a completely new coat of fur.

The scientists are learning how all of these life history events and behaviors are linked to each other to better understand what influences Weddell seals' success in breeding, feeding, and molting. On this page, see updates from our November-February field seasons and the work we do back at home to get a close-up view of Antarctic science and Weddell seal biology!

Don’t miss awesome pictures like these on the Weddell Seal Biology Facebook page!

Weddell seal on the ice.See pictures like this on the Weddell Seal Biology Facebook page.

Like us, leave a comment, or share this site with your friends!

You can also follow the team and learn more about our research here:

http://antarcticarevisited.com/

http://www.polartrec.com/expeditions/weddell-seals-in-the-ross-sea-2014

Comments

Thu, 09/04/2014 - 10:25

Hudson

Are there narwhals in Antarctica?

Thu, 09/04/2014 - 14:48

Alex Eilers

Hudson,
It was a pleasure meeting you today and thanks so much for your great question!

While narwhals live in icy waters, unfortunately, our team won't see any. That's because narwhals are only found in Arctic waters.

But you are in luck! There is a place where you can see a narwhal tusk... come visit the Pink Palace Museum, we have one in our Skulls area.

Thanks again!

Ms. Alex

Fri, 09/05/2014 - 09:51

Alex Eilers

Sure I'd be happy to. Just a quick question are you referring to school visits, web chats or our Facebook page?
Best,

Ms. Alex

Mon, 09/08/2014 - 11:33

jad

are you going to out of McMurdo when you are in Antarctica like to Palmer or scott station?
Jad Hamze

Mon, 09/08/2014 - 14:06

Guest

Great question, Jad!
Our expedition will be based out of McMurdo station and since it is only a few miles away from Scott Base - I hope to make a visit.

Unfortunately, I don't think I'll have the opportunity to get to Palmer station because it's on the opposite side of the continent. But, I'd love to visit if I got the chance.

Thanks again!

Ms. Alex

Mon, 08/25/2014 - 11:49

Alex Eilers

Hi Janet!
Isn't 'Patrick' amazing! And yes, he is to scale. In fact he was the smallest seal we worked with. He's made of 'fuzzy fabric' and batting. Eyes are flat rocks, whiskers are made of thread and parts of a broom.

We love him!

Best,

Alex

Mon, 08/25/2014 - 11:00

Janet Warburton

Hi Alex and team! Very exciting to see what you have drummed up for outreach activities, Alex. Always creative. What is Patrick made out of? He looks huge! Is Patrick to scale?Looking forward to following your expedition.
Cheers,
Janet