Visit the newly remodeled fur seal habitat and get up close and personal with the northern fur seals in our care.
There’s always something interesting going on—from new animals to new habitats and more―and we’re excited to share all the latest news.
A fresh look for our fur seal habitat
Our newly remodeled northern fur seal habitat features more haul-out space. “Hauling out” is when the animals spend time on land to take naps, groom their fur or enjoy one of their favorite foods during a training session to practice skills that allow them to voluntarily participate in their own health care. Plus, this new space gives visitors an even closer look at our fur seals―just in case you ever wanted to gaze directly into their charismatic eyes. (Who wouldn’t?)
Say hello to Casey and Chii
Harbor seals Barney and Hogan have a new “roomie!” Casey recently moved to the Aquarium from his former home at the Seaside Aquarium in Oregon. He’s 7.5 years old and adjusting well.
Casey popping out of the water to say hello.
We’re also happy to introduce northern fur seal Chiidax (pronounced CHEE-dak). He’s come to us from the New England Aquarium to be a companion to resident fur seal Flaherty. It’s a reunion for these two: Flaherty was born at the New England Aquarium in 2012 and spent time with Chiidax (whose name means “small young animal” in the Aleut language) before moving to Seattle in 2015. We welcome Chiidax—who’s nicknamed “Chii”—and can’t wait for you to meet him!
Chii enjoying some haul-out time.
Hello, little Neah
Meet Neah, our new giant Pacific octopus! At 37 pounds, she’s not so giant yet—but she may get there! The average weight for this species is 90 pounds. Fast fact: giant Pacific octopuses can consume 2–4% and gain 1–2% of their body weight each day (that’s like a 150-pound person eating up to six pounds of food and gaining up to three pounds every single day!). Mochi, Neah’s predecessor, is now behind the scenes and will soon be released to his home waters to complete his life cycle.
Come watch Neah get to know her habitat!
Welcome back, Sekiu
Do you recognize this face? Sekiu (pronounced SEE-cue) is a northern sea otter who was born at the Seattle Aquarium in 2012 but has been living at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium the last few years. Come say hello as she and her “roomie” Mishka groom, swim and play in their habitat!
Welcome home, Sekiu!
Cuttlefish cuties
A new group of dwarf cuttlefish are now making their homes in our Pacific Coral Reef habitat! They’re about 6–7 months old and just starting to produce eggs. Come see them and learn about these fascinating cephalopods which—like octopuses and all cephalopods—can change color and texture.
A relative of the octopus, the cuttlefish has eight arms and two long feeding tentacles to grab prey.
Take a peek at our new veterinary care center
Located near the marine mammal habitats, our spacious new vet clinic provides a versatile space for animal care—and it’s been constructed with a window that allows visitors to take a look behind the scenes. The clinic is where animals that live at the Aquarium, from seals to sea stars, come to receive medical care from our team of skilled veterinary professionals, including a board-certified specialist in zoological medicine. Check the white board near the window to see if anything is happening in the clinic during your visit!
Take a look at the new clinic on your next visit to the Aquarium.
Chinook salmon on the move
A school of Chinook salmon was recently moved to a new home in our Underwater Dome. Come watch the largest of all salmon species make their way through this 400,000-gallon habitat, with a 360º view of hundreds of fascinating Puget Sound fish!
Marvel at the juvenile Chinooks overhead as you make your way to the next generation in the Underwater Dome.
New exhibit: The Salmon Way
Here in the Pacific Northwest, salmon are part of our way of life. Now photographer and journalist Amy Gulick is helping us see salmon in a new light. Join us for an exhibit that celebrates the deep-rooted connection between humans and fish and across generations and communities. Based on the book The Salmon Way: An Alaska State of Mind, the exhibit features captivating photography and stories celebrating the ways of life in Alaska that wild Pacific salmon make possible. See it near the Life on the Edge habitat through August 2022.
Spring is a wonderful time to visit the Aquarium and we can’t wait to see you again! Plan your next trip soon.