Harbor seal News

Displaying 1 - 7 of 7

Harbor Seal Rabbit
May 18, 2022

Harbor Seal Dies at Smithsonian's National Zoo ›

We are sad to share that our male harbor seal, Rabbit, died May 13. He was 15 years old.

A keeper's hand, with a blue latex glove on, has their index finger on the snout of a harbor seal. The seal's mouth is opened wide and the keeper's thumb is on the bottom of the opened mouth.
March 03, 2022

How to Care for Harbor Seals ›

With a seal of passion for pinnipeds, American Trail keeper Diana Vogel dives into how she cares for harbor seals!

Infant western lowland gorilla Moke sits on a rock in a yard with grass and shrubs
May 01, 2020

Bringing the Zoo to You: April 2020 Edition ›

Chirping cheetah cubs, a birthday party fit for a gorilla and a Madagascar hedgehog tenrec indulging in some self-care with a dust bath—all of these events (and more) made for an eventful month.

Harbor seal Luke at the American Trail exhibit.
January 24, 2020

Elderly Harbor Seal Dies at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo ›

American Trail keepers at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo are mourning the loss of Luke, a male harbor seal who was humanely euthanized Jan. 23. At 35 years old, Luke was considered geriatric for his species.

California Sea Lion
June 29, 2018

Dare to Compare: What’s the Difference Between Sea Lions and Seals? ›

From whiskers to flippers and a penchant for fish, seals and sea lions have a lot in common. So how can you tell these pinnipeds apart?

A sea lion demo at the Smithsonian's National Zoo
October 06, 2017

A Day in the Life of an American Trail Keeper ›

A stroll down American Trail brings visitors face-to-face with swimming sea lions, busy beavers and resourceful ravens. What visitors may not see are the dedicated keepers working hard behind the scenes preparing diets, training animals and cleaning habitats. Get a glimpse into a day in the life of...

Smithsonian logo
February 03, 2017

Elderly Male Harbor Seal Dies at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo ›

The Zoo’s 31-year-old male harbor seal, Squeegee, died shortly after a diagnostic medical exam Feb. 1. American Trail keepers had been monitoring Squeegee closely for several weeks after he presented with blood in his urine.