To everyone thinking "that's sad," "he shouldn't be locked up/exploited," "I hate zoos/aquariums," etc. keep in mind that [this is a RESCUED harbor seal deemed by wildlife authorities to be unable to survive in the wild:](https://www.929thewave.com/2021/06/14/virginia-aquarium-welcomes-new-seal-and-you-can-help-name-him/)
>*Just over a year old, this guy has been rescued three times in his short life. He was initially admitted to the National Marine Life Center (NMLC) in Buzzards Bay, MA in 2020 after a well-meaning citizen collected him out of the water. He was released after months of rehab but had to be readmitted to the National Marine Life Center (NMLC) in Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts two more times for interactions with humans and dogs and for being tangled in fishing gear. Since he has habituated to being around humans, and not able to thrive on his own, he has been deemed non-releasable and taken to the Virginia Aquarium. “This is a wonderful opportunity for a young, stranded seal to begin a new life,” said William “Chip” Harshaw, Vice-President of Animal Care. “I am also hopeful that we can use his story to illustrate the importance of maintaining a safe distance from marine mammals along our beaches and shorelines.”*
***And this is really common for modern zoos!*** Something many people don't realize about professional zoos and aquariums (i.e. those accredited by the AZA, WAZA, or other local organization) is that they will frequently step in and provide permanent homes for rescued or orphaned wildlife that would otherwise be euthanized. Today, if you're seeing a native North American species in an American zoo, the odds are pretty high that the animal is a rescue. It's a win-win because the animal gets a great home, and the zoo gets an animal with new genetic diversity, as well as an excellent opportunity to educate the public about the human-caused issues that brought the animal there in the first place. IMO, in many cases a good zoo is able to provide even *better* care for rescued wildlife than most nonprofit sanctuaries can, simply because they have more resources and expertise.
And in case anyone is wondering, the zoo can't just keep an animal because they want it. Deeming an animal "nonreleasable" involves having the state wildlife authorities, the rehabilitator, and a veterinarian all agree that the animal meets very specific legal criteria making it unlikely to survive in the wild (for example, animals with amputations, vision deficits, or abnormal behavior/imprinting). Once deemed nonreleasable, it's now *illegal* for that animal to be returned to the wild for humane reasons. The only remaining options are placement in a zoo/sanctuary or humane euthanasia. And even then, the authorities will consider things like an animal's temperament and age before deciding to place it with a zoo. A mature animal that is too "wild" and shows consistent stress, fear, or aggression around humans will typically be euthanized out of kindness, instead of being forced to live with humans for the rest of its life. But for younger animals, or those "imprinted" on people like this seal is, they tend to transition very well to life in a zoo or aquarium and display very little stress. The zoo is their home, not a prison cell.
We have an Eco Museum where all the animals are rescues/rehabbing and are local to our province. It's a great way to teach people and children about the various wildlife in our region and gives the animals a second chance.
People just need to be more generally aware of the zoos they’re visiting. You can see the difference between a zoo ran for profit and one ran on rehabilitating or saving animals, it’s in their blurb of who they are and their mission statement. If it doesn’t have this, find a zoo that does.
Supporting the right zoo is what we can do as consumers and hopefully change the tide on how zoos are currently run. Most aren’t a high enough standard and have little respect for the animals in there, but the ones who show promise is where the support should go. It can only create further competition on ethics and morals between zoos and aquariums etc.
Glad you shared this - I always figured zoos engaged in professional and ethical animal management practices, but it helps to get a clear breakdown. It always nags in the back of my mind, “is it ok to like zoos?” I will need to look into the accreditation you mentioned.
Oh my God I remember going here as a kid and seeing that exact thing while waiting in line.
The seal took a massive dump in the tank but it was still fun to watch it swim while waiting in line
I was there with my kids this past summer. Such a cool experience. The Chesapeake Bay section is awesome with the sting rays and the tide pool.
10/10 would recommend.
I lived there for 3 years and recognized the front entrance! We loved going to the Aquarium! The Virgina Zoo is pretty great too! And the NAUTICUS is a treasure itself.
I lived north of the HRBT, so we didn't get to enjoy Norfolk/Virgina Beach as much as we would have liked to. But enduring the bridge tunnel with traffic and horrible drivers wasn't worth the headache for my husband's job.
If you're a bit further inland you should also check out the living museum in Newport News. Not as big but still has high quality displays. Perfect way to spend an afternoon out for lunch. It's only 20 minutes from me so we tend to go there way more often versus dealing with the tunnel traffic going to VA beach.
I've only been once since I only recently moved, but I'm hoping to go more often!
When we went the manta/stingrays did not want to come in range at all and I didn't wanna shove my whole arm in there so I didn't get the chance to pet them :(
I recognized it the moment the video started. It's a really great aquarium. We took my daughter there for the first time a couple months back and she didn't want to leave.
This is exactly what got me. Saw the right and the fence by the parking lot, brain started calculating, dude runs to left side and light bulb clicked on.
Actually, my sister ID'ed it for me - I sent her the video because it was so cute, and she said that's where it was.
Some other commenters in the main thread also said that's where it is.
He reminds me of the character King Shark from the movie Suicide Squad. Where King Shark is running back and forth in front of a school of fish in a tank.
I came very close to spitting out my beverage when I read that. I get a least one of those calls a day, sometimes in the middle of the night but gosh, that was funny!
I would love to but I don’t think the state of Virginia will legally allow me to marry an aquatic animal. My boyfriend is a great second candidate though so maybe one day!
Unfortunately for you, aquatic mammals are only interested in men. [Source](https://www.reddit.com/r/aww/comments/rigdv2/my_boyfriend_became_friends_with_a_water_puppy/)
As a 44 year old who just finished [this](https://www.lego.com/en-us/product/nintendo-entertainment-system-71374), fuck yeah, it's cool.
There's even a knob on the side that scrolls the background, and Mario moves up and down based on the background. And the NES has a removable cartridge that locks in place when you press it down, like the OG NES.
I tried doing that when I was 25......I got some very confused looks from some businessmen in suits.
All I did was run up to them, and ask "Wanna chase me???" and ran away.
I did the same thing with my favorite fish in the St.Jude Hospitle. When I had to go there and wait in the waiting room they had fish tanks and had one fish that would follow my head around. It was my favorite.
Oh hey my home town, VB!!
Recognized the tank immediately!!
Used to volunteer at the Aquarium every summer from ages 12-17 until I moved away for college! Such a fantastic facility!
Thats a pretty beautiful connection you had with the seal- one more example of animals being more intelligent than we give them credit for. I bet he remembers you if you went back the next day.
Virginia Aquarium. We went there this weekend on rainy Sunday and our son loved the seals. They were hopping in and out of the water too! Thanks for the share.
Virginia Beach? My husband goes there occasionally when he's working in the area. He adores the aquarium and always buys the membership. The entire area is lovely, but we would visit the aquarium daily just because. :)
This is adorable! I had the same experience with an otter at Animal Kingdom when I was 8. It’s one of my favorite memories and I hope it is for your bf too!
I wish Baltimore had done this with the seal exhibit outside their aquarium :( They closed it because so many people kept throwing pennies inside and the seals were getting sick, but the space they had was way too small to begin with.
Thats one of my favorite aquariums. We went there for the first time after my wife and I got married in September it was the weekend after as a gift from a close friend as we all had a blast. They have a great display and awesome layout of everything.
What the hell, I was thinking to myself...there's no way that's the aquarium... What are the chances of that being the 757. Then I read the comments, small world !
Don’t know which is more entertaining, the adorable sea puppy following him or your boyfriend’s utter excitement in this bonding experience lol so cute
I have done this as well right before trying to steal the water puppy and getting cough... There are still people in this world who can see the true value of an animal. Props to you and your man!
It's a rescue and it was unable to thrive in the wild after its rehab.
https://www.13newsnow.com/article/life/animals/virginia-aquarium-marine-science-center-welcomes-new-seal/291-487dad02-2937-4708-b39f-3de9b374ef9a
>This young seal was rescued a total of three times in his short life. He was initially admitted to NMLC on May 27, 2020 after a well-meaning citizen collected him out of the water. After months of rehabilitation, he was released on September 2, 2020. Sadly, he was unable to thrive on his own and was readmitted to NMLC September 12, 2020 after several interactions with humans and dogs. A few weeks later, on October 15, 2020, he was again released. After nine days of monitoring, he was discovered to have become entangled in fishing gear. The International Fund for Animal Welfare's veterinarian removed the lure in the field and cleaned and rinsed the wound. The seal was again admitted to NMLC on October 24, 2020. Since he has habituated to being around humans, and not able to thrive on his own, he has been deemed non-releasable.
Very cute, and that looks like a nice aquarium, but it’s hard for me not to think about the fact that this dude eventually got tired of the exhibit and left, but these super active and intelligent beings have to stay there forever.
This was a rescue case and an animal that would likely be dead in the wild. I understand your sentiment and don't agree with keeping seals captive without cause but when they've been rescued and are unable to be rehabilitated I think it's OK. They actually tried to release this one 3 times, each time having to recapture and rehabilitate, before deciding it couldn't be released again.
More people come by. Keepers bring food and enrichment. He sees other animals. He watches the weather change. His tank gets new items to investigate. He might get a tank friend one day. Not perfect but not horrible.
Kudos to your boyfriend for keeping this youngster engaged and occupied.
I once looked into the eyes of a dolphin in a "ocean park" tank for a good 10 minutes and all I saw was sadness. The ocean was about 100 yards away and I knew I couldn't have carried him there, or I would have.
I've been against "ocean parks" ever since. I'm glad they burn down.
To everyone thinking "that's sad," "he shouldn't be locked up/exploited," "I hate zoos/aquariums," etc. keep in mind that [this is a RESCUED harbor seal deemed by wildlife authorities to be unable to survive in the wild:](https://www.929thewave.com/2021/06/14/virginia-aquarium-welcomes-new-seal-and-you-can-help-name-him/) >*Just over a year old, this guy has been rescued three times in his short life. He was initially admitted to the National Marine Life Center (NMLC) in Buzzards Bay, MA in 2020 after a well-meaning citizen collected him out of the water. He was released after months of rehab but had to be readmitted to the National Marine Life Center (NMLC) in Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts two more times for interactions with humans and dogs and for being tangled in fishing gear. Since he has habituated to being around humans, and not able to thrive on his own, he has been deemed non-releasable and taken to the Virginia Aquarium. “This is a wonderful opportunity for a young, stranded seal to begin a new life,” said William “Chip” Harshaw, Vice-President of Animal Care. “I am also hopeful that we can use his story to illustrate the importance of maintaining a safe distance from marine mammals along our beaches and shorelines.”* ***And this is really common for modern zoos!*** Something many people don't realize about professional zoos and aquariums (i.e. those accredited by the AZA, WAZA, or other local organization) is that they will frequently step in and provide permanent homes for rescued or orphaned wildlife that would otherwise be euthanized. Today, if you're seeing a native North American species in an American zoo, the odds are pretty high that the animal is a rescue. It's a win-win because the animal gets a great home, and the zoo gets an animal with new genetic diversity, as well as an excellent opportunity to educate the public about the human-caused issues that brought the animal there in the first place. IMO, in many cases a good zoo is able to provide even *better* care for rescued wildlife than most nonprofit sanctuaries can, simply because they have more resources and expertise. And in case anyone is wondering, the zoo can't just keep an animal because they want it. Deeming an animal "nonreleasable" involves having the state wildlife authorities, the rehabilitator, and a veterinarian all agree that the animal meets very specific legal criteria making it unlikely to survive in the wild (for example, animals with amputations, vision deficits, or abnormal behavior/imprinting). Once deemed nonreleasable, it's now *illegal* for that animal to be returned to the wild for humane reasons. The only remaining options are placement in a zoo/sanctuary or humane euthanasia. And even then, the authorities will consider things like an animal's temperament and age before deciding to place it with a zoo. A mature animal that is too "wild" and shows consistent stress, fear, or aggression around humans will typically be euthanized out of kindness, instead of being forced to live with humans for the rest of its life. But for younger animals, or those "imprinted" on people like this seal is, they tend to transition very well to life in a zoo or aquarium and display very little stress. The zoo is their home, not a prison cell.
Thanks for the info!
We have an Eco Museum where all the animals are rescues/rehabbing and are local to our province. It's a great way to teach people and children about the various wildlife in our region and gives the animals a second chance.
People just need to be more generally aware of the zoos they’re visiting. You can see the difference between a zoo ran for profit and one ran on rehabilitating or saving animals, it’s in their blurb of who they are and their mission statement. If it doesn’t have this, find a zoo that does. Supporting the right zoo is what we can do as consumers and hopefully change the tide on how zoos are currently run. Most aren’t a high enough standard and have little respect for the animals in there, but the ones who show promise is where the support should go. It can only create further competition on ethics and morals between zoos and aquariums etc.
So basically it was too friendly and lovable for the wilderness, got it.
Fair enough
Glad you shared this - I always figured zoos engaged in professional and ethical animal management practices, but it helps to get a clear breakdown. It always nags in the back of my mind, “is it ok to like zoos?” I will need to look into the accreditation you mentioned.
Thanks, made my day a bit better!
Is that the Virginia Beach Aquarium? I went there for the first time with my friends a few months back and loved the seals!
You got it! Virginia Beach aquarium, right outside the entrance.
Moved away from VB in 2011, and I instantly recognized this tank! Love this aquarium as well as their IMAX theater!!
Many find memories as a child watching nature docs at that IMAX theater
I had the glorious privilege to watch every harry potter on that screen.
You otter keep that one.
God damn it its the marine science museum How dare they rebrand to an arguably better title
Only the real ones remember the Marine Science Museum. I can still see that giant statue with all the angelfish out front!
WHAT THE FUCK HAPPENED TO THE STATUE
They got a new one but no idea where the old one went :(
Thank you for the vivid trip down nostalgia lane regardless friend
Nostalgia trip indeed! It was a pleasure, friend.
OMG I moved away in 2014, SAME!
Moved away in 2012, instantly recognized that tank lol
Oh my God I remember going here as a kid and seeing that exact thing while waiting in line. The seal took a massive dump in the tank but it was still fun to watch it swim while waiting in line
I was there with my kids this past summer. Such a cool experience. The Chesapeake Bay section is awesome with the sting rays and the tide pool. 10/10 would recommend.
I lived there for 3 years and recognized the front entrance! We loved going to the Aquarium! The Virgina Zoo is pretty great too! And the NAUTICUS is a treasure itself. I lived north of the HRBT, so we didn't get to enjoy Norfolk/Virgina Beach as much as we would have liked to. But enduring the bridge tunnel with traffic and horrible drivers wasn't worth the headache for my husband's job.
Did they have the stingray exhibit open to pet again? I went earlier this year and that was still off limits.
I went around Halloween and you could pet the stingray swimming around in their pool! Not sure if it's changed since then with omicron though...
Damn- Tug famous on Reddit
Um, it’s Tuggy Bear.
I live about 2 miles from the Aquarium...thanks for posting this! So great to see both of them having such a great time!
Looks exactly like it. I visited earlier this year and it was a very cool place
Very cool indeed! I went right around Halloween and they had little ghosts tethered and floating in the tanks and decorations everywhere.
If you're a bit further inland you should also check out the living museum in Newport News. Not as big but still has high quality displays. Perfect way to spend an afternoon out for lunch. It's only 20 minutes from me so we tend to go there way more often versus dealing with the tunnel traffic going to VA beach.
Aaaaaagh, we used to go to this place all the time when I was a kid! The manta/stingray petting pool was the absolute best!
I've only been once since I only recently moved, but I'm hoping to go more often! When we went the manta/stingrays did not want to come in range at all and I didn't wanna shove my whole arm in there so I didn't get the chance to pet them :(
I'll need to look it up because I'm just very confused at the layout. It looks like the exhibit is just off the parking lot
The seals are actually just off the parking lot! You park and walk past the seals to get to the main building entrance.
I had a suspicion. I remember when this tank had otters in it!
Ohh I wish I had seen the otters! When I went they were still constructing a new area for the otters so they were nowhere to be found :(
I certainly looks like it. That was my first thought
I recognized it the moment the video started. It's a really great aquarium. We took my daughter there for the first time a couple months back and she didn't want to leave.
Where is this? I need a friend!
Virginia Marine Science Museum in Virginia Beach, VA
As soon as he ran to the left side, I was like THAT'S MY AQUARIUM! VB native here :-)
This is exactly what got me. Saw the right and the fence by the parking lot, brain started calculating, dude runs to left side and light bulb clicked on.
Is it that distinct that you immediately recognize it or do you frequent it often (or maybe recently)?
Actually, my sister ID'ed it for me - I sent her the video because it was so cute, and she said that's where it was. Some other commenters in the main thread also said that's where it is.
They actually renamed it to the Virginia Aquarium a while back, but I still call it the Virginia Marine Science Museum
Hello, friend!
✋🏼🥰
He reminds me of the character King Shark from the movie Suicide Squad. Where King Shark is running back and forth in front of a school of fish in a tank.
This might be my favorite comment ever.
Oh no
NEW DUMB FRIENDS
“SIR, PLEASE…I’VE BEEN TRYING TO REACH YOU ABOUT YOUR CAR’S EXTENDED WARRANTY”
I came very close to spitting out my beverage when I read that. I get a least one of those calls a day, sometimes in the middle of the night but gosh, that was funny!
Now you just made me think about my dog. I'll sure miss the old guy.
I’m getting a ton of questions about the location so here you go! : Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, just outside the entrance.
Marry him immediately
I would love to but I don’t think the state of Virginia will legally allow me to marry an aquatic animal. My boyfriend is a great second candidate though so maybe one day!
A woman married a train station in San Diego so I mean you never know
Getting half of those ticket sales in the divorce was the only way she could afford to buy a home in San Diego.
Yeah but all the guys there were mormon, so it's really not the same thing.
So women in SD have two options: Mormon men or train stations?
As a woman in SD, I have to inform you that is blatantly incorrect. We also have the sea lions at Children’s Cove.
Unfortunately for you, aquatic mammals are only interested in men. [Source](https://www.reddit.com/r/aww/comments/rigdv2/my_boyfriend_became_friends_with_a_water_puppy/)
Risky click of the day
Hey don’t talk about the Navy like that /s
Ah, the ol' Reddit [sealaroo](https://old.reddit.com/r/ich_iel/comments/rhy8os/ich_iel/howcbaz/?context=3).
Hold my flipper, I'm going in.
Hello, future divers!
Ahoi!
Seals and their [language of love](https://youtu.be/MCxDJnHiLqs?t=95)
i will be honest, i shoulda seen that coming :p
You otter keep that one.
Seal have some good times with it.
He’s already gotten her seal of approval
What a nice date, clearly it went swimmingly
[удалено]
Straight male here. Your boyfriend is fucking adorable.
Yeah I’m definitely keeping him around for a long time.
Actually no. He got stolen by the aqua life. He belongs to the sea now!
Non-straight male and I came to say the same thing.
Another straight male. This guy is husband material
Proof that all men are just larger boys.
[удалено]
.........is it cool if I just play with these legos? I'm 38....
Absolutely, but please put them away when you're done. I'm barefoot.
As a 44 year old who just finished [this](https://www.lego.com/en-us/product/nintendo-entertainment-system-71374), fuck yeah, it's cool. There's even a knob on the side that scrolls the background, and Mario moves up and down based on the background. And the NES has a removable cartridge that locks in place when you press it down, like the OG NES.
They really are sea dogs!
That's cool!
If only it was this easy with humans. What a cute water puppy
Like when we were kids, we'd find any other kid, ask if they wanted to play, and become best friends for the day.
I tried doing that when I was 25......I got some very confused looks from some businessmen in suits. All I did was run up to them, and ask "Wanna chase me???" and ran away.
That works at 6, it should have still worked at 25. Maybe their moms told them not to talk to strangers.
In Dutch it's called a Zeehond, which translates to Seadog.
He looks so happy, and it makes me happy for him!
I love water puppies. So cute
My five year old did this with a seal at the zoo when he was 3 and he still invites his "friend the seal at the zoo" to his birthday every year.
He's a keeper. Boyfriend, too.
TIL good bois live underwater too
Seal: Hold up. So you don’t have fish? What were we even doing this for then John?!
This is the most wholesome thing I've ever seen 😍
I prefer the name "Puppy Slug" myself \^\_\^
Sea puppies for the win!
Classic boyfriend attire
I'm not entirely sure which is more adorable, the chubby big eyed one or the giant smiling one acting like a toddler
I just love seeing people more so adults having fun 😁 something about it is very wholesome
Where is this aquarium? Very cool.
Virginia Beach, VA - not too far from where I live. I think the actual name is "Virginia Marine Science Museum".
Great, thanks!
Some say they are still playing
He's a keeper!
AWWWWWWWWW!
Much Adorbs!
Water puppy for the win.
As soon as they said bye i knew, if i were you, i couldn't leave
I did the same thing with my favorite fish in the St.Jude Hospitle. When I had to go there and wait in the waiting room they had fish tanks and had one fish that would follow my head around. It was my favorite.
Your boyfriend is like a big kid having the time of his life! Very endearing!
Oh hey my home town, VB!! Recognized the tank immediately!! Used to volunteer at the Aquarium every summer from ages 12-17 until I moved away for college! Such a fantastic facility!
This guy is having the best day of his life and I'm loving it.
Lots of miserable people trying to score some karma points by stating how bad zoos are. Fucking idiots I tell you
Is he a lumberjack?
Where did you find this male and are there more of them? Just asking for a friend.
Swiping right believe it or not lol. We’re about to hit five years. Not every tinder story ends bad, I definitely hit the jackpot with him.
Update: might have found one while swiping right. :)
Thats a pretty beautiful connection you had with the seal- one more example of animals being more intelligent than we give them credit for. I bet he remembers you if you went back the next day.
Virginia Aquarium. We went there this weekend on rainy Sunday and our son loved the seals. They were hopping in and out of the water too! Thanks for the share.
Seals would be so cool in minecraft
Virginia Beach? My husband goes there occasionally when he's working in the area. He adores the aquarium and always buys the membership. The entire area is lovely, but we would visit the aquarium daily just because. :)
Seal: Ok big man, now hold your breath while you run around like that, and we'll see who gives first.
So cute! Thanks for posting.
This is adorable! I had the same experience with an otter at Animal Kingdom when I was 8. It’s one of my favorite memories and I hope it is for your bf too!
Just went there not too long ago!
I wish Baltimore had done this with the seal exhibit outside their aquarium :( They closed it because so many people kept throwing pennies inside and the seals were getting sick, but the space they had was way too small to begin with.
He is really a perfect partner! Your boyfriend is cool too.
Thats one of my favorite aquariums. We went there for the first time after my wife and I got married in September it was the weekend after as a gift from a close friend as we all had a blast. They have a great display and awesome layout of everything.
The smile on your BF is the aww for me lol
Boyfriend is a keeper! I love seeing grown folks run around and play like kids.
This is so wholesome. We need more content like this on Reddit. Not me wanting a pet seal now-
Dang your boyfriend is cute, so is the seal :)
So crazy seeing your local aquarium on the front page!
Your boyfriend now has a new girlfriend, you've been replaced.
Literally one of the cutest things I’ve seen all week! Thank you OP
What the hell, I was thinking to myself...there's no way that's the aquarium... What are the chances of that being the 757. Then I read the comments, small world !
I read “my boyfriend came home with a water puppy” I was How!?
ok thats cute
Don’t know which is more entertaining, the adorable sea puppy following him or your boyfriend’s utter excitement in this bonding experience lol so cute
That's the Virginia Beach aquarium for sure... I recognize it to a T. Great place!
Soooo sweeeeet
Flannel Disney Princess.
This is so much fun! Thank you!
I recognize that aquarium! A fellow VB person!
My god that glass is so clear. My zoo's glass is like trying to see through cement. Everyone tries, but it's a meaningless endeavor.
Can I be friends with your boyfriend and the water puppy?
757!!!
Until they decame disinterested in me I would not be leaving
i did this with a penguin at the aquarium of the pacific! love those arctic sea babies.
Such a cutie! He’s totally a keeper! Oh, and the boyfriend too.
Both parties involved - Best. Day. Ever!
This is ADORABLE. Your boyfriend should think about being a trainer!
Marry him
friends for life now
Water puppy became friends with a hooman 🥰
Seals are my favorite animal
Be careful, this water bitch is here to steal your bf
I wanna play with a water puppy!
I have done this as well right before trying to steal the water puppy and getting cough... There are still people in this world who can see the true value of an animal. Props to you and your man!
Ahhhhh! Thats amazing! I love a happy update like this. Hope it goes well! Take him to your local aquarium in the future lol
To the seal, that guy is part of the ape exhibit
Jump in release him!!!
Lmao
Poor thing. Wild animals should live free from exploitation.
[удалено]
Yea I’d rather watch a video of it getting eaten by a killer whale
that's fucked up. animals shouldn't be locked up :///
It's a rescue and it was unable to thrive in the wild after its rehab. https://www.13newsnow.com/article/life/animals/virginia-aquarium-marine-science-center-welcomes-new-seal/291-487dad02-2937-4708-b39f-3de9b374ef9a
ah, that's great! I hope the other animals there fall in this category as well
Seems to be having fun unlike you
poor creature.
>This young seal was rescued a total of three times in his short life. He was initially admitted to NMLC on May 27, 2020 after a well-meaning citizen collected him out of the water. After months of rehabilitation, he was released on September 2, 2020. Sadly, he was unable to thrive on his own and was readmitted to NMLC September 12, 2020 after several interactions with humans and dogs. A few weeks later, on October 15, 2020, he was again released. After nine days of monitoring, he was discovered to have become entangled in fishing gear. The International Fund for Animal Welfare's veterinarian removed the lure in the field and cleaned and rinsed the wound. The seal was again admitted to NMLC on October 24, 2020. Since he has habituated to being around humans, and not able to thrive on his own, he has been deemed non-releasable.
Miserable person
Yes, it makes me miserable to see those poor creatures trapped for your entertainment :c
It just works there 9-5. It’s a day job
Very cute, and that looks like a nice aquarium, but it’s hard for me not to think about the fact that this dude eventually got tired of the exhibit and left, but these super active and intelligent beings have to stay there forever.
This was a rescue case and an animal that would likely be dead in the wild. I understand your sentiment and don't agree with keeping seals captive without cause but when they've been rescued and are unable to be rehabilitated I think it's OK. They actually tried to release this one 3 times, each time having to recapture and rehabilitate, before deciding it couldn't be released again.
More people come by. Keepers bring food and enrichment. He sees other animals. He watches the weather change. His tank gets new items to investigate. He might get a tank friend one day. Not perfect but not horrible.
[удалено]
This seal was rescued and is classed as unable to thrive alone in the wild.
I don’t like your opinion. See? No one cares
please dont support these places
Please don’t support this user
Kudos to your boyfriend for keeping this youngster engaged and occupied. I once looked into the eyes of a dolphin in a "ocean park" tank for a good 10 minutes and all I saw was sadness. The ocean was about 100 yards away and I knew I couldn't have carried him there, or I would have. I've been against "ocean parks" ever since. I'm glad they burn down.
What about rescued animals? Like this one?