Seal pup birth a rare event in WA waters

A southern elephant seal has given birth in Western Australia - only the third recorded time it has happened in the state's waters.

The pup was born in Shoalwater Islands Marine Park towards the end of November, a Department of Parks and Wildlife spokeswoman told AAP.

She said southern elephant seals usually birthed in subantarctic waters and islands, and advised the public to keep their distance if they saw the pair.

Southern elephant seals are the largest of all seals, with males weighing up to 3800kg and females 900kg.