We have recently rescued 3 harbour seals. Pamina and Ina, our permanent seals, came to us after their collection closed and they had nowhere else togo. Nelly our other Seal, sadly had her enclosure destroyed in a tidal surge and needed to find a temporary home. We stepped in and later introduced her to Pamina and Ina. All three are currently living in our second sea lion pool while we build a brand-new seal enclosure in our old goat and emu enclosure.

Harbor seals live in temperate coastal habitats along the northern coasts of North America, Europe, and Asia.

The harbor seal’s diet consists mainly of fish, shellfish, and crustaceans. Harbor seals complete both shallow and deep dives while hunting, depending on the availability of prey.

After the pupping season, males initiate true mating behavior by chasing, neck- and flipper-biting, and embracing. When approached, females respond by growling, head-thrusting, and flipper-waving. Copulation usually takes place in the water.

Did you know?

• Females outlive males (30-35 years versus 20-25 years).
• A fatty tissue called “blubber” keeps them warm.
• The harbor seal can plunge 300 feet and stay underwater up to 28 minutes.
• Most harbor seal pups shed a white wooly coat before they are born.
• The mother nurses the pup with rich milk for three to six weeks.
• On land, the harbor seal moves by a caterpillar-like motion.
• It is against the law to disturb harbor seals and other marine mammals.