When you live in a place surrounded by nothing but rocks and sand, you’ll want to use anything soft as a pillow – even a person passing by.
Cruise ship worker Lea McQuillan was just resting for a bit during a visit to the barren Antarctic islands of South Shetland when an elephant seal came over and snuggled up.
The puppy, which weighs as much as an adult man, then nodded and slept for two hours before crawling into the water.
Ms. McQuillan had ventured to Elephant Point on Livingston Island with the ship’s doctor Helen Willcock to relax after a 14-day cruise.
The scene was captured by wildlife photographer Roy Mangersnes, who was traveling with them.
He said: ‘Lea was not afraid at all. These cubs are inquisitive, but not threatening. There was no mom around, so there was nothing to worry about. These cubs are still nursing and don’t have teeth yet.
“This little guy is just enjoying a bit of peace before reaching adulthood and having to start fighting for his future.”
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