BOSTON — What appears to be simple playtime is actually sophisticated mental training for a beloved harbor seal at Boston’s New England Aquarium. Reggae, a 33-year-old Atlantic harbor seal, has captured widespread attention after videos surfaced showing him tenderly embracing rubber ducks during his daily enrichment activities.
The heartwarming footage shows Reggae floating peacefully while clutching a yellow duck to his chest, and in another scene, sitting on artificial rocks while gently patting the toy’s head with his flipper.
These charming interactions serve a deeper purpose than entertainment. The duck-based activities help Reggae develop crucial cognitive abilities including memory retention, analytical thinking, and concentration — all vital for maintaining the wellbeing of animals living in captivity.
Rebekah Miller, who supervises the aquarium’s pinniped section that houses Atlantic harbor seals and California sea lions, explained the importance of these mental challenges.
“He can use his great vision to look around the habitat, find these new items, and he can also use his other senses to kind of explore,” Miller noted. “It’s a great way to challenge our animals. We want to create challenges for them and really allow them to use those problem-solving skills that they have.”
During a recent training demonstration, animal care specialist Liz Wait directed Reggae through various commands while offering fish treats from a metal container attached to her belt.
“Target!” Wait instructed, gesturing toward a specific duck. Reggae immediately swam over and touched it with his snout. She continued with additional commands using different toys.
“Hold it!” she directed, positioning a rubber duck on his pale stomach. Reggae responded by wrapping his flippers around the object in an embrace.
“Are you having fun with your ducks?” Wait asked as the seal positioned himself on a rock platform, resting his head on one of the toys.
“You want to say, ‘Bye, everybody?’” the trainer requested while waving. Reggae lifted his right flipper in response and exchanged a salute with Wait. “Good, Bubba.”
According to Miller, Reggae seems unbothered by his newfound internet fame, describing his temperament as calm and sociable.
“We describe his personality as very mellow. He’s a very easygoing guy, he goes with the flow and he loves attention from people,” she observed.
Young visitors were particularly enchanted by the unusual sight. Thirteen-year-old Tom Smith from Boston, who was touring the facility with his family during school break, expressed his amazement.
“You never expect a seal to hug a rubber ducky,” Smith remarked.
The harbor seals represent some of the aquarium’s most popular attractions, residing in a massive 42,000-gallon outdoor enclosure located on the main plaza. All current seals were born at the facility to parents who were also long-term residents.
Many of today’s seals can trace their ancestry back to Hoover, a famous harbor seal born in 1971 who was initially cared for by a Maine fisherman after becoming orphaned. When feeding costs became prohibitive for the fisherman’s family, Hoover was transferred to the aquarium, where he eventually became famous nationwide for his ability to mimic human speech, including phrases like “hello there” and “get out of here” spoken in a distinctive New England dialect.
The aquarium’s seals typically exceed the approximately 25-year lifespan common in natural environments. Several have reached ages of 30 and even 40 years, longevity that staff members credit to comprehensive veterinary care, structured behavioral training, and daily mental stimulation activities.
