6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Boston Globe
New England Aquarium celebrates Atlantic harbor seals' 40th birthdays
'At any time of day or night, you can see visitors walking by the exhibit to see what the harbor seals are up to,' she said in the statement.
A small crowd gathered at the open-air exhibit outside the Aquarium entrance as trainers led games and demonstrations with the birthday pair.
The seals' birthday cake didn't have frosting or candles—instead, it was made of ice jello and fish, according to the Aquarium.
New England Aquarium
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Although both seals marked the occasion together, the celebration officially honored Amelia's birthday; she was born at the Aquarium on May 28, 1985.
Amelia, who lost one eye to chronic corneal inflammation, enjoys 'bottling' — floating upright with her nose above water — and in sleeping in odd positions, according to the statement.
Born just over a week after her half-sister, on June 7, Trumpet is now a mother of two and likes to
Both seals are offspring of Hoover, the Aquarium's famed 'talking harbor seal' that could mimic phrases such as 'Hello there' and 'How are you?'
Though Hoover has died, one of Trumpet's pups, Chacoda, is beginning to learn a few words, according to the Aquarium's
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The Aquarium also thanked its staff for their support for Amelia and Trumpet.
'Their longevity is a true testament to the New England Aquarium's commitment to prioritizing the highest level of animal wellbeing and veterinary care, along with our staff's dedication to the animals,' said Kristen McMahon, the Aquarium's curator of Pinnipeds and Penguins, in the statement.
Staff created birthday cards for the seals, and guests were also invited to sign a large poster, the Aquarium said.
New England Aquarium
Rita Chandler can be reached at
