Atlantic Harbor Seals
See two families of Atlantic harbor seals swim, play, sleep, and train with aquarists. Photographs and descriptions at the exhibit help visitors identify the seals by name.
Know Before You Go
Watch Boston’s beloved Atlantic harbor seals swim, play, and sleep in this 42,000-gallon exhibit. Learn more about them during a free training session.
- Join a daily training session: 11:15 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.
- Many people still remember Hoover, the Aquarium’s famous talking harbor seal. Hoover could say several phrases, including “how are you?” and “come over here.” Hoover passed away in 1985, but his grandson Chacoda is now learning to say some phrases, as well.
Animals in This Exhibit
A Look at a Local New England Habitat
The harbor seal exhibit is a slice of the New England rocky coast, which is a typical habitat for Atlantic harbor seals. The Aquarium’s seals play in deep, cool water, and then haul out on the rocky outcrops for a snooze or a sunbath.
Atlantic Harbor Seals Still Need Our Help
Since 1972, the Marine Mammal Protection Act has protected all marine mammals. Killing, capturing, or even disturbing any marine mammal is a federal offense. This law has greatly benefited the Atlantic harbor seal population, but issues like warming water due to climate change still loom for the species. They rely on cold water to find food in the wild.
Cleaning Up an Atlantic Harbor Seal Habitat: Boston Harbor
The Boston Harbor was once a dumping ground for garbage and human waste—bad news for the local harbor seals. Thankfully, a state-of-the-art water treatment plant was built and reduced pollution in the harbor by 85%! The current health of Boston Harbor and local seals is thanks to this shift.
Take a Look Around
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A trainer works with an Atlantic harbor seal on training behaviors Photo: Vanessa Kahn -
Atlantic Harbor Seal Photo by Caitlin Cunningham -
A trainer works with an Atlantic harbor seal on training behaviors Photo: Vanessa Kahn
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