These baking hot summer days call for a dip in some refreshing, cool water. Well, what if we said you could take a tip in a seal's pool at the New England Aquarium, and meet a seal face to face?

Take a look, you'll see what we're talking about.

 

The Take a Dip with the Seals program is a terrific way to interact with these popular and friendly animals. Kneel in the shallows of the marine mammal center and get to know one of the fur seals, some of the rarest marine mammals found in North American zoos and aquariums. Or you can choose to get to know a harbor seal in their own exhibit on the front plaza. Now there's an opportunity that you'll high-five your friends about!

Some visitors may get to high-five a harbor seal!

To celebrate Isaac's 13th birthday, everyone who came out to watch his show on Sunday sang to him! I think he enjoyed the sentiment and thanks you all for the ditty...



There have been a couple of other birthday bashes recently, too. Flaherty just turned 1 year old! Check out his party here. And check out the harbor seals' seal-abration.

-Lindsay

Most Atlantic harbor seals are born in May and June. At the New England Aquarium, the trainers like to help the seals celebrate the o-fish-al birthday season. These special occasions only come around once a year so it’s a big celebration for our six Atlantic harbor seals!

An ice toy layer cake for Reggae!

You may think we celebrate in a slightly unconventional way, but for seals, it’s a party! In lieu of birthday cake and icing, we concoct tasty fish surprises for our aquatic mammals.


Heart shaped ice toy surprise for Trumpet!

This year we chose a different way to celebrate for each Harbor seal. Check out some of the ways we celebrated.


Happy Birthday everyone!!

Smile!

-Marie

Each seal here at the New England Aquarium has its own personality. Some are more curious than others and some seem to enjoy exploring new places.

The fur seals in the marine mammal center all have very distinct personalities.

This sense of adventure can sometimes lead to interesting situations.

Leu, a two year old juvenile Northern Fur seal, likes to play with jello, snow and his fellow juvenile Flaherty.  Here, Leu gets into his own brand of mischief when he sneaks behind the scenes…


Thankfully, Leu gave us the dive mask back after showing off his find to Sierra, one of our California sea lions.

-Marie

As Flaherty anxiously watched his dad choose his favorite of the two and after careful consideration, it was obvious which gift he thought was best.

Hope all you dads had a Happy Father's Day to all you dad's out there and a very special shout out to first timers like Isaac!

-Lindsay