Reggae the Seal Engages in Daily Cognitive Training with Rubber Ducks
A charming video of Reggae, a 33-year-old Atlantic harbor seal residing at the New England Aquarium in Boston, has captivated social media audiences. The footage shows the seal enthusiastically hugging and fetching a rubber duck, but this playful activity serves a deeper purpose as part of his structured daily enrichment training.
Enrichment Training Designed to Stimulate Mental and Physical Skills
While it may appear to be simple fun, Reggae's interaction with the rubber duck is a carefully designed routine aimed at keeping him mentally and physically engaged. When he plays fetch in his habitat, which mimics the rocky shores of the region, he is actively practicing essential skills such as memory retention, problem-solving, and focus.
Rebekah Miller, the aquarium's manager of the pinniped area, oversees the Atlantic harbor seals and California sea lions. She emphasizes that enrichment is a central component of the seals' daily lives. "He can use his great vision to look around the habitat, find these new items, and he can also use his other senses to kind of explore," Miller explained. "It's a great way to challenge our animals. We want to create challenges for them and really allow them to use those problem-solving skills that they have."
Training Sessions Strengthen Bonds and Cognitive Abilities
The enrichment sessions are meticulously planned not only to stimulate the seals cognitively but also to strengthen their relationships with trainers. Even physical play, such as manipulating objects with their front flippers or moving toys through the water, becomes an integral part of these challenges.
On a recent morning, trainer Liz Wait stood at the edge of the exhibit with a silver bucket of fish clipped to her waist, tossing small rewards as Reggae followed her cues. "Target!" she called, pointing to one duck, and Reggae swam over to nudge it with his nose. She repeated the cue with another duck, and when she said, "Hold it!" placing a rubber duck on his white belly, Reggae lifted his flippers to wrap them around it.
Wait engaged with Reggae throughout the session, asking, "Are you having fun with your ducks?" as he climbed onto a rock, resting his chin atop one of the toys. In a heartwarming moment, she prompted, "You want to say, 'Bye, everybody?'" waving her hand, and Reggae hoisted his right flipper in response, returning a salute from his trainer.
Reggae's Mellow Personality and Public Appeal
Miller described Reggae's personality as very mellow and easygoing, noting that he loves attention from people and remains unfazed by the recent social media spotlight. Visitors to the aquarium have been delighted by his antics, with 13-year-old Tom Smith of Boston expressing surprise during a school vacation visit. "You never expect a seal to hug a rubber ducky," he said, watching Reggae swim toward the glass to retrieve a duck tossed near his family.
The Atlantic harbor seals, including Reggae, are among the most recognizable residents at the New England Aquarium. They live in a spacious 42,000-gallon outdoor exhibit on the front plaza, with many tracing their lineage to Hoover, a harbor seal born in 1971. Hoover gained national fame for mimicking phrases like "hello there" and "get out of here" in a distinctive New England accent after being raised by a Maine fisherman.
Longevity and Care in Captivity
Seals at the aquarium often exceed the typical 25-year lifespan observed in the wild, with several individuals surpassing 30 and even 40 years of age. This remarkable longevity is attributed to comprehensive veterinary care, structured training programs, and daily enrichment activities like those enjoyed by Reggae. These efforts ensure that the animals remain healthy, engaged, and thriving in human care, providing both educational value and joy to visitors.
