Old Hippo Pool

Now used for Grey seals.

This is unacceptable for hippos or grey seals. How do they use it for grey seals if the pool is so tiny?

I don't know if they still using it for grey saesl, maybe, the still were in it just for short time.
The hippos went to a new exhibit , but the zoo is planning again a new exhibit for them.

One blind grey seal has lived in this pool since around 1980

It is sad, but what else does one do with a blind seal of a species not exhibited anywhere else in the US?

No hippo has lived here since 1968

The LA zoo has 4 (or 5) Grey Seals and I think 2 or 3 are blind.

Many facilities have grey seals. National, Toledo, Detroit, New York Aquarium, Lincoln Park Zoo, Brookfield, Camden Aquarium, etc.

There is still one Grey Seal living here. There are restrictions on things that can be done to the enclosure as yes, the Seal is for the most part blind. He can see shadows and is familiar with the layout as it is, since he has lived there 20+ yrs. Changing much would just be cruel. There was a recent attempt at painting the exhibit but the volunteer group who did it, could have done a better job. As well, the added landscaping areas lack vegetation that would brighten up the Seal's home. Another management crime, as a few trees can't cost much.

themightyshaw said:

As well, the added landscaping areas lack vegetation that would brighten up the Seal's home. Another management crime, as a few trees can't cost much.

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Vegetation in an exhibit for a Grey Seal would be entirely for the public's aesthetic benefit though - these are animals of rocky coasts, and would meet hardly any (terrestrial) vegetation in nature - I can't even imagine them having any enrichment benefit for a seal. Given that, I don't blame the Zoo for saving money for elsewhere.

I agree, re the view for the public, but at SFZOO much of the exhibit slams are based on public view. Random visitors don't know specifics about the animals individually or the species needs. They look and see and make rash comments. A better paint job and a few tree's would deflect unfounded thoughts and add just a bit more pro percentage to the Zoo.

I cant remember which zoo uses blind seals in a tank adjacent to a polar bear tank arctic circle or something . An amazingly innovative idea , so sad that blind seals are so commonly washed up though .