Atlantic Harbor Seals

Atlantic harbor seal on exhibit at the New England Aquarium
Atlantic harbor seal on exhibit at the New England Aquarium
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.
HABITAT

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 seal
Atlantic harbor seal Photo: Sam Cheng
CONSERVATION

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.

A visitor at the Harbor Seal Exhibit at the New England Aquarium
A visitor at the Harbor Seal Exhibit at the New England Aquarium
CONSERVATION

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.

Atlantic harbor seal
Atlantic harbor seal Photo: Caitlin Cunningham

Take a Look Around

  • A trainer works with an Atlantic harbor seal on training behaviors
    A trainer works with an Atlantic harbor seal on training behaviors Photo: Vanessa Kahn
  • Atlantic Harbor Seal
    Atlantic Harbor Seal Photo by Caitlin Cunningham
  • A trainer works with an Atlantic harbor seal on training behaviors
    A trainer works with an Atlantic harbor seal on training behaviors Photo: Vanessa Kahn

/

wave

Support Ocean Conservation

Protecting and preserving the ocean impacts not only the future for marine life, but the future for all of us. Let’s take action for the ocean, together.

wave