Seal Exhibit Overview

7.7.2022

An overview of the whole Harbor Seal (Phoca vitulina) exhibit. The exhibit was built in 2008, and contains 17,000 gallons (according to aquarium signage). I was surprised that the exhibit is only 14 years old, because it could definitely use some improvements: more space, underwater viewing, and a more naturalistic and immersive environment would all be beneficial. I didn’t like the use of bathroom tiles on the walls.

Some positive aspects of the exhibit include the shade structure overhead, and that part of the walkway was blocked off to give the seals a quieter space if they need to get away from visitors. While the exhibit does have problems, it may be sufficient for the particular seals the aquarium has (0.1 blind rescued juvenile named Kitt and 1.0 geriatric named Bubba).