SEASIDE AQUARIUM

Harbor Seals Facts All of the seals at the Seaside Aquarium are Eastern Pacific harbor seals (Phoca vitulina richardii) who were born in the Aquarium. Here are some fun facts about their wild counterparts. Range: From Southern California to Northern Alaska Diet: Fish, cephalopods (mainly octopus and squid), and crustaceans. Average Lifespan: Males - 12-15 years, females - 15-20, although they can potentially live to 30 years. Often as they become older, they develop cataracts in their eyes and become easy prey for predators like orcas and sharks. Reproduction: Female seals come into 'heat' once a year, during the summer. Gestation is 10-12 months. One pup is born. Amazing Feats: Although most dives only last 3-8 minutes and stay within the first 300 feet, harbor seals can swim to depths of almost 1,500 feet, holding their breath for more than 30 minutes! To aid long dives, harbor seals store large amounts of oxygen in their blood and muscles. Their bodies are adapted to handle the pressures of ocean depth with lungs that can actually collapse and re-inflate.

Drexler the Seal Dies, age 29

Drexler the seal was born June 29, 1983, the day after a young basketball player from the University of Houston was drafted to play with the Portland Trailblazers. Aquarium Manager Keith Chandler was impressed by Clyde Drexler, and decided to name the seal pup after him.

Like his namesake, Drexler the seal was a legend. A crowd favorite, 'Drex' was known for his interceptions. He would regularly jump and catch fish pieces intended for some other seal. He was one of the loudest seals, heard from blocks away, demanding food 'NOW NOW NOW.' He was the dominant male for many years. The other seals would wait to follow Drex into the back seal tank in the evenings.

Although he was the dominant male, Drex was incredibly gentle and mild with the staff. He would often meet the aquarists at the entrance to the seal pen with a gentle nudge or whisker brush in greeting.

In later years, Drex developed cataracts. He was the oldest male seal the Aquarium has ever had. Drex died January 16, 2013 at age 29. He was a sweet seal who will be sorely missed.