Wednesday, August 19, 2009

#142: Fur Seal Over Ice on The Boston Globe's front page

If you've seen the front page of The Boston Globe today, you've seen Ursula, a Northern fur seal, relaxing on 300 pounds of ice. While her exhibit at the aquarium is a pleasant 58 degrees F, Ursula still enjoys this cool spot.

Photo by David Ryan/Globe Staff

Northern fur seals are found throughout the Pacific Rim from Japan to California and are comfortable in a wide range of temperatures. The ice blocks were brought to the exhibit by the Aquarium's Director of Communications, Tony LaCasse. He thought the fur seals would have fun with ice blocks on a hot and humid day. He picked up 900 pounds of ice and schlepped it to the aquarium in his Toyota Matrix. Clearly, Ursula is now Tony's biggest fan!

- Jenny

Labels: Boston Globe, ice blocks, ice toy, Jenny, Ursula

Friday, March 13, 2009

#99: "Fishsicle"-- Chacoda's Ice Toy

Enrichment is a big part of what we do every day to make sure the animals are stimulated in their environment. Ice toys or"fishicles" are one of their favorites. Here's a "seal's eye view" of Chuck (Chacoda) playing with an ice toy during a "Play With the Seals" program. Our program participant is standing on the rocks above and is using the other end of the blue car wash strip to drag the toy through the water to entice Chuck though he doesn't look like he needs much enticing!

It looks like he has it all to himself too until Mom (Trumpet) comes over to check it out.

- Paul

Labels: Chacoda, enrichment, fishsicle, Harbor Seals, ice toy, Trumpet

About

Why do we train seals? There are lots of reasons. Training keeps these intelligent animals stimulated. They really seem to enjoy learning new behaviors. Training also helps develop a close, working relationship based on trust. It's this trusting relationship that allows Aquarium biologists to work in close proximity to the seals so they can get checkups. This blog provides a window into the life and work of the Aquarium's marine mammal trainers.