Yes. The seals have an area that provides them with another pool and a large dry resting area for night sleeping. These areas are available all the time; however, the seals choose to spend the majority of their day in the public viewing pool. Harbor seals live in "herds" in the wild and choose to group together.
Do the seals have to "beg" for their food?
No. The seals are fed on a regular schedule. They are not trained by the staff. These hams really enjoy
what they are doing and have developed their tricks on their own. Each seal has a distinct personality.
Where do you get your seals?
Most of our seals were born at the Seaside Aquarium. Of the seals we currently have, only one was not born here. It was was rescued and sent to us by the National Marine Fisheries Service in 1978. We have not taken in any wild seals since then. The Seaside Aquarium has a long history of successful seal breeding. We were the first Aquarium in the world to successfully breed harbor seals. Now we concentrate on planned parenthood. Some of the seals that are with us today are third generation captive born animals.
Why don't you let them go?
These seals would probably not survive if they were released. Studies by the National Marine Fisheries Service indicate that harbor seals that have remained in captivity for more than one year do not readily adapt to life in the wild.
Everyone who works for the Aquarium or is associated with the Aquarium cares deeply about these seals. We respect them as living creatures of our earth and take seriously the responsibility we have for their care and well-being.
We are governed by the Department of Agriculture and the standards and regulations they set. We are inspected twice anually - without notice. We have a trained vet who makes monthly checkups.
How long do harbor seals live?
The average lifespan for harbor seals in the wild is fifteen years. The average lifespan for seals in captivity is twenty years. The Seaside Aquarium holds the record of the P.S.U Survey for having the oldest seal in the world at thiry-five years. Clara was a favorite with our visitors till her death in 1979.