Arctocephalus forsteri is a species of fur seal found mainly around southern Australia and New Zealand. The name New Zealand fur seal is used by English speakers in New Zealand; kekeno is used in the Māori language. Arctocephalus forsteri (common names include the Australasian fur seal, South Australian fur seal, New Zealand fur seal, Antipodean fur seal, or long-nosed fur seal) is a species of fur seal found mainly around southern Australia and New Zealand. The name New Zealand fur seal is used by English speakers in New Zealand; kekeno is used in the Māori language. As of 2014, the common name long-nosed fur seal has been proposed for the population of seals inhabiting Australia. Although the Australian and New Zealand populations show some genetic differences, their morphologies are very similar, and thus they remain classed as a single species. After the arrival of humans in New Zealand, and particularly after the arrival of Europeans in Australia and New Zealand, hunting reduced the population to near-extinction. The Māori name for the fur seal is “kekeno”, which means “look-arounds”. This behavior is easily recognized from observing a seal colony. Kekeno had very good reason to look around, as by the close of the 19th-century hunters and sealers had almost driven them to extinction. These seals are the commonest seals in New Zealand and their numbers are growing. They are excellent swimmers, and pups, once weaned, will sometimes cover great distances. A pup tagged on the west coast of the South Island was recorded in Australia. When on land they will sometimes become disoriented, being found in unusual locations such as streets, back yards, and drains

Scientific name: Arctocephalus forsteri

Conservation status: Least Concern (Population increasing) 

Mass: 120 lbs (Adult) 

Trophic level: Omnivorous 

Gestation period: 242 days

Length: 5.6 ft. (Adult)