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Is there more space for the seals? 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. |
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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. |
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Where do you get your seals? All of our seals were born here at the Seaside Aquarium. The Seaside Aquarium has a long history of successful seal breeding. We were the first aquarium in the world to successfully breed harbor seals in captivity. Now we concentrate on intentional parenthood. Some of the seals that are with us today are sixth generation Aquarium born and raised animals. |
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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 Seaside Aquarium or is associated with the Seaside 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 annually - without notice. We have a trained vet who makes monthly checkups. |
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How long do harbor seals live? The average life span for harbor seals in the wild is fifteen years. The average life span 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 thirty-five years. Clara was a favorite with our visitors until her passing in 1979. |
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