Types of seals in human care

Davdhole

Davdhole

Well-Known Member
5+ year member
As far as I know, which could be very little when it comes to this, there aren't too many seal species in human care. I notice most seals in zoos and aquaria are harbor and grey, with other pinnipeds being walruses and California sea lions. I know leopard seals aren't in captivity now, but why, and again only to my knowledge, are there a lack of seals like harp, ringed, ribbon, monk, hooded, elephant etc? Hooded and elephant seals are quite impressive and ringed and ribbon seals have gorgeous patterns that may intrigue guests. I'm sure harp seal pups would also be pretty popular among the public should one be born in a zoo or aquarium. If there are places with the mentioned seals or other less exhibited seal species, what are they?
 
There's strict laws about pinnipeds, since they're included with marine mammals. Harbors and greys are by far the most common to end up stranded/injured on US beaches, and ones that aren't releasable tend to go to zoos so that there is more room free at the rescue centers. CA sea lions breed fairly well in captivity so they're mostly sustaining their own population (along with rescues on the west coast). Same with walruses, though they're less successful, hence the population declining in captivity. Most other seals are one-offs that couldn't be released (harp, leopard, etc.)
 
Other species in the USA:
Harp seal - SeaWorld Orlando
Hawaiian monk seal - Minnesota Zoo, Waikiki Aquarium
Ringed seal - SeaWorld San Diego
Northern elephant seal - Pittsburgh Zoo
Northern fur seal - Mystic Aquarium, New England Aquarium, Seattle Aquarium
South American sea lion - Sea Lion Splash traveling show, Squalus
Steller sea lion - Mystic Aquarium

Alaska SeaLife Center and Marine Mammal Center (CA) both tend to have uncommon species in as rescues, as well. Alaska currently has ringed, spotted, and Steller. MMC usually has some Guadalupe fur, northern fur, and northern elephant, along with plenty of CA sea lions. They have a section on their website with info on every one they've rescued, included deceased.
 
TinoPup said:
Other species in the USA:
Harp seal - SeaWorld Orlando
Hawaiian monk seal - Minnesota Zoo, Waikiki Aquarium
Ringed seal - SeaWorld San Diego
Northern elephant seal - Pittsburgh Zoo
Northern fur seal - Mystic Aquarium, New England Aquarium, Seattle Aquarium
South American sea lion - Sea Lion Splash traveling show, Squalus
Steller sea lion - Mystic Aquarium

Alaska SeaLife Center and Marine Mammal Center (CA) both tend to have uncommon species in as rescues, as well. Alaska currently has ringed, spotted, and Steller. MMC usually has some Guadalupe fur, northern fur, and northern elephant, along with plenty of CA sea lions. They have a section on their website with info on every one they've rescued, included deceased.
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When did SeaWorld Orlando get harp seals? I went once back in 2015 and don't recall harps, only harbor seals, Cali sea lions, and a walrus.
 
Davdhole said:
When did SeaWorld Orlando get harp seals? I went once back in 2015 and don't recall harps, only harbor seals, Cali sea lions, and a walrus.
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They have one rescue. Sometimes on exhibit, sometimes not. There's no signage or anything.
 
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