Fri. 8th Aug. 2025, 8:00 pm
Emerson, forever Victoria’s beloved elephant seal
A new children’s book titled Emerson the Elephant Seal, authored by Vancouver writer Ginger Ngo, has recently been released. Designed for children aged 3 to 5, the book imaginatively recounts Emerson’s adventures around Victoria, capturing and passing on the community’s deep affection for the beloved seal to a new generation. Ngo was inspired by the way locals warmly embraced Emerson, often referring to him as a neighbor and an integral part of their community.
Emerson’s Life Timeline
- January 31, 2022: Emerson was born at Deception Pass State Park in Bowman Bay, Washington, USA.
- Late February 2022: His mother, Elsie May, left him, marking the start of Emerson’s independent life.
- April–May 2023: Emerson first appeared in Victoria during the moulting season, spending considerable time at Oak Bay Beach.
- September 2023: He was spotted in the Inner Harbour area, including the Songhees Walkway, prompting authorities to begin relocation efforts.
- April 1, 2024: Emerson returned to the Gorge Waterway area in Saanich to moult.
- April 3–5, 2024: Local authorities moved him back to the water, and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) relocated him to Barkley Sound on Vancouver Island’s west coast.
- Within a week (April 2024): Demonstrating remarkable determination, Emerson swam approximately 204 kilometers (around 126 miles) back to Victoria in just six days, covering roughly 34 kilometers per day, and returned to his favorite beaches like Gonzales.
- May 9, 2024: After appearing near the Victoria Yacht Club parking lot, he was relocated once again to a remote location on the west coast.
- Spring moulting 2024: Volunteers took shifts guarding Emerson, placing warning tapes and signs to prevent disturbances during his vulnerable moulting period.
