A giant black sea bass is an endangered species that can reach up to 8 feet in length and 500 pounds, often found amid the giant kelp forest, Once nearly fished to extinction and now thought to be at risk of a genetic bottleneck, the giant sea bass is slowly recovering and can be seen in summer months in California's kelp forests.
Species: Giant black sea bass, Stereolepis gigas
Location: Catalina Island, California
Image ID: 34616
Southern elephant seal pup taking its first breath. Just moments before the pup was still wrapped in placenta and had to free its head in order to breathe, Mirounga leonina, Valdes Peninsula.
Species: Southern elephant seal, Mirounga leonina
Location: Puerto Piramides, Chubut, Argentina
Image ID: 38420
Two Adult Male Lions Fight to Establish Territory, Greater Masai Mara, Kenya. Both of these large males emerged from the battle with wounds, and it was not clear who prevailed.
Species: African lion, Panthera leo
Location: Mara North Conservancy, Kenya
Image ID: 39701
Panorama dimensions: 5760 x 8640