An elephant seal at Año Nuevo State Park in California showed up looking like it had “taken a bath in grape juice,” according to park staff. The bright purple color had people guessing, with early theories ranging from a diet of purple sea urchins to internal bleeding.
The real answer turned out to be simpler. Experts said the seal had been resting on a patch of red algae on the beach, and the pigment rubbed off onto its skin, giving it that grape-colored tint. Park officials said the same thing has happened before with sea otters nearby.
The color isn’t permanent. Officials say it fades once the animal goes back into the water. The photos, though, made the rounds online fast, with plenty of jokes comparing the seal to the musician Prince.
