Reggae, a resident Atlantic harbour seal at the New England Aquarium, has captured the hearts of social media users with his endearing antics involving a rubber duck. At 33 years old, Reggae’s charming personality and playful interactions have made him a star, particularly evident in a recent viral Instagram post by the aquarium, showcasing him excitedly engaging with his favourite toy.
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The video, which depicts Reggae chasing and giving affectionate kisses to the rubber duck floating in his pool, quickly garnered attention. The post’s upbeat caption, “Ohhh to be a harbor seal with his rubber duckie! 🥹💛🦆,” resonated with animal enthusiasts and has made Reggae one of the highlights of the New England Aquarium’s social media presence. By early March, it became the aquarium’s second-most successful post on Instagram, as reported by Marisa Bernal, the aquarium’s social media manager.
While Reggae’s endearing nature and playful spirit have made him a social media sensation, his interactions with the rubber duck serve a vital educational purpose. According to trainers at the aquarium, the rubber duck is not just a source of amusement but a tool that aids in cognitive development for the seals. Rebekah Miller, the aquarium’s manager for Atlantic harbour seals and California sea lions, explained the enriching benefits of Reggae’s playtime. Trainers design engaging games around his favourite toy, which helps the seal hone his problem-solving skills.
The focus on mental stimulation during Reggae’s enrichment sessions is integral to his daily routine. The activities encourage the seals to employ their natural curiosity and problem-solving abilities. “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 said, illustrating how such experiences create challenges that are vital for the seals’ wellbeing.
Social media has been buzzing about Reggae’s rubber ducky adventures this week, but the origins of this playful interaction run deeper than mere entertainment. The aquarium’s social media provided further insight into the purpose of the rubber duck, stating, “This rubber duckie is part of a cognitive behaviour we call ‘find it!’” The exercise encourages Reggae to track down the duck, teaching him how to differentiate between various objects. It introduces an element of novelty to his environment, fostering both enrichment and learning.
Patty Leonard, the aquarium’s associate curator of pinnipeds, highlighted the intelligence of marine mammals like Reggae, stating, “Marine mammals are incredibly intelligent. Reggae, of course, is no exception.” She elaborated on how, in the wild, seals would spend time searching for food, a behaviour that is mirrored in their play and training activities at the aquarium.
While wild Atlantic harbour seals typically live between 25 to 30 years, residents at the New England Aquarium often live longer, reaching lifespans of 30 to 40 years. Such longevity can be attributed to the careful environment and healthcare provided at the aquarium. Reggae, who was born and raised at the facility, is one of five seals living there, all of whom share familial connections.
Despite achieving viral fame, Reggae’s trainers report that his personality remains unchanged. Liz Wait, one of Reggae’s trainers, describes him as “very mellow” and easygoing. His laid-back demeanor and love for human interaction have evidently contributed to his appeal among visitors, both in person and online.
The ongoing affection for Reggae demonstrates the capacity for marine life to capture human curiosity and affection in a digital age. His charming antics not only bring smiles to faces but also serve as a reminder of the importance of cognitive engagement for intelligent animals like seals. As Reggae continues to thrive in his aquatic home, his rubber ducky will undoubtedly remain a beloved part of his routine, offering both entertainment and enrichment for this remarkable marine mammal.