Mystic Aquarium Welcomes New Harbor Seal Pup

Mystic Aquarium is excited to announce the birth of a healthy harbor seal pup born on Thursday, May 14, to harbor seal Pearl. The male pup weighed approximately 29 pounds at birth and is doing well alongside his mother behind the scenes while the pair establishes an important mother-pup bond.

The pup’s birth is part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Harbor Seal Species Survival Plan (SSP), a collaborative conservation program designed to help maintain a healthy, genetically diverse harbor seal population in accredited zoos and aquariums. Pearl was recommended for breeding through the SSP program and has been under the care of Mystic Aquarium since arriving as a weanling in 2012.

Pearl is already an experienced mother. Her youngest pup Goose, born in May 2024, also resides at Mystic Aquarium, allowing the siblings to live together under the care of the Aquarium’s expert animal care team.

For now, the new pup and Pearl will remain in a backup area off habitat to provide a quiet environment for bonding and nursing. Additional updates, including when guests may be able to see the pup on habitat, will be shared on Mystic Aquarium’s social media channels.

Harbor seals are native to the North Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and serve as important indicators of ocean health. Through participation in the SSP program and ongoing marine animal rescue and conservation efforts, Mystic Aquarium remains committed to protecting marine mammals and inspiring the public to care for our ocean planet.

Supporters interested in helping care for marine animals and advance conservation efforts can learn more or donate at https://www.mysticaquarium.org/research-and-conservation/.

ABOUT MYSTIC AQUARIUM
Mystic Aquarium, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, is one of the world's leading aquariums, offering exemplary care to a variety of species while also serving as the Northeast's premier marine animal rescue and rehabilitation center. Robust conservation and education programming and unparalleled visitor experiences strengthen personal connections to the animals and their environments. Mystic Aquarium's mission is to protect aquatic life and empower communities to save our oceans, and introduces approximately 800,000 visitors annually to thousands of animals through structured interpretation, especially curated exhibits, and hands-on interactions. As a leading research organization, Mystic Aquarium employs a full staff of scientists engaged in projects focused on our ocean planet's conservation and sustainability.