Tolay, the elephant seal relocated from Highway 37, gave birth to a pup yesterday! The bir
https://t.co/U7W5kVKtnv pic.twitter.com/mdfTGP5Ily
— Point Reyes NPS (@PointReyesNPS) January 4, 2016
The obstinate elephant seal that just wouldn't quit in her attempt to cross Highway 37 in Sonoma County last week began a new journey over the weekend: Motherhood.
Officials with the Point Reyes National Seashore announced the birth, which took place on Saturday, and provided photos of the seal and her pup shot from the elephant seal overlook at Chimney Rock.
The elephant seal, named "Tolay" by some of the rescue workers struggling to get her off Highway 37, was tranquilized on December 29 after she repeatedly blocked traffic and allegedly attacked at least one car. She was then transported to a drop-off spot, which she promptly abandoned in order to head to the breeding colony near Chimney Rock in the Point Reyes National Seashore area.
According to the Park Service, the beach that Tolay (at least temporarily) calls home is a noted breeding colony, with males typically arriving in early December to stake out territory.
"Then pregnant females begin to arrive and soon give birth to a single pup," notes the Park Service. "Subadult and juvenile animals arrive and the colony can number close to one hundred animals."
Upon Tolay's arrival at the beach, Biologist Sarah Codde told the Chronicle that the 900-pound seal had found “a much better location” than where rescuers originally deposited her.
No word yet on whether or not Tolay's pup has been christened with a name, and we'll just have to wait and see if the little pinniped is anywhere near as determined as its mother.
Previously: Elephant Seal Blocks North Bay Highway, Gets Feisty With Passing Cars
[Update] 'Very Determined' Elephant Seal Still Trying To Cross North Bay Highway
Tolay The Pregnant Elephant Seal Escapes Drop-Off Point, Heads To New Hangout