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SEASIDE AQUARIUM

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Splash Newsletter

May Pups on Display for Summer Visitors

The Seaside Aquarium has a long-standing history of breeding harbor seals. Since 1952, harbor seal pups have been born in the Aquarium from captive-bred parents. This spring the Aquarium welcomed a boy and a girl to the resident herd and summer visitors were able to watch the growing pair adapt to their home.

Greta gave birth to a male on May 23 who was promptly named 'Damian' after the Portland Trailblazers’ Damian Lillard. Scully’s pup came a week later on May 31st. Her name, 'Pinni', is a shortened version of 'Pinniped', the suborder that seals and sea lions belong to.

Both pups are incredibly bright and have started developing their own repertoire to attract visitor attention (and fish!). Aquarium staff say that Pinni started performing earlier than any other seal they have seen. She is working on her side slap, but has not perfected the maneuver. Currently, her side flippers are a little short, so her 'slapping' looks a lot more like flailing. She has, however, become adept at catching any fish that comes her way. Damian makes small splashes in the water and grunts, and is working on perfecting his catching skills. He prefers to allow fish pieces to fall near him or even bounce off his face before picking them up and gobbling them down. The pups are described as 'bright, charming, hams.'

Pinni and Damian’s mothers Scully and Greta have different parenting styles. Greta is a 'hands on' mom who stays near Damian as he navigates the tank. Scully is no less attentive, but she does it from a distance. She is there instantly if Pinni needs her, but she also allows the pup to explore on her own. Scully spends much of her time after-hours swimming in the main tank, while Pinni prefers to hang out in the pup tank. Although their styles differ, they are both great mothers.

BBC films Tsu

Inside:

BBC takes interest in Tsunami Fish Summer Highlights Displays of Interest Upcoming Displays

Damian Seal Pup
Damian Seal Pup shows skills

Damian gives a good attempt at a splash. He is still working on his catching skills.

Pinni Seal Pup
Pinni and Mother Scully

Scully checks on her pup, Pinni. Touching noses is a common form of imprinting for mothers and pups.



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Seaside Aquarium, 200 North Prom, Seaside, Oregon 97138 Tel: (503) 738-6211.