Reggae the Seal Thrills Visitors with Rubber Duck Training

At the New England Aquarium in Boston, a harbor seal named Reggae is turning heads with his playful training routine involving rubber ducks. This 33-year-old Atlantic harbor seal participates in daily enrichment activities designed to enhance his cognitive skills and maintain his physical health. The aquarium recently showcased a video of Reggae joyfully hugging a rubber duck while floating on his belly, capturing the attention of visitors and social media alike.

Rebekah Miller, manager of the pinniped area at the aquarium, describes enrichment as essential for the seals. “He can use his great vision to look around the habitat, find these new items, and he can also use his other senses to kind of explore,” she stated. The habitat mimics the rocky shores of the region, allowing the seals to engage in natural behaviors while learning.

During training sessions, Reggae practices memory, problem-solving, and focus—skills trainers emphasize as vital for animals in human care. On a recent morning, trainer Liz Wait stood by the exhibit, tossing small fish rewards to Reggae as he followed her cues. “Target!” she called, directing him to nudge a rubber duck with his nose. The seal responded enthusiastically, showcasing his intelligence and playful spirit.

The interaction between Reggae and Wait illustrates the importance of building relationships through play. “Hold it!” she instructed, placing a rubber duck on Reggae’s belly. The seal promptly wrapped his flippers around the toy, a moment that elicited laughter and delight from onlookers. “Are you having fun with your ducks?” Wait asked as Reggae perched on a rock, resting his chin on one of his toys.

Miller noted that Reggae remains unfazed by the attention, describing his personality as “very mellow” and easygoing. Visitors, including Tom Smith, a 13-year-old from Boston, were amused by the sight of a seal hugging a rubber duck. “You never expect a seal to hug a rubber ducky,” he remarked while enjoying a family outing during school vacation week.

The aquarium’s Atlantic harbor seals are popular attractions, residing in a 42,000-gallon outdoor exhibit. These seals were born at the aquarium, continuing a lineage that traces back to Hoover, a harbor seal born in 1971. Hoover gained fame for his ability to mimic human phrases, such as “hello there” and “get out of here,” in a distinctive New England accent. After being rescued from a fisherman who could no longer care for him, Hoover became a beloved resident of the aquarium.

Today, seals at the New England Aquarium often live beyond the typical 25-year lifespan expected in the wild, with many surpassing 30 and even 40 years. This longevity is attributed to comprehensive veterinary care, structured training, and daily enrichment activities, ensuring that these animals remain healthy and engaged throughout their lives.

The engaging training routines not only benefit the seals but also provide educational opportunities for visitors. Through demonstrations and interactions, the aquarium highlights the importance of animal welfare and the role of enrichment in captive settings. As Reggae continues to charm guests with his playful antics, the New England Aquarium remains committed to providing an enriching environment for all its marine residents.