The Oregon Coast Aquarium is celebrating a historic milestone: Skinny, the world’s oldest living Pacific harbor seal, is turning 50 years old.
To honor Skinny’s half-century mark, the Aquarium is hosting a public celebration on June 3 featuring seal-themed activities, raffles, presentations and special enrichment sessions.
Celebrate With Us!
Join us on June 3 to celebrate Skinny’s 50th birthday! We’ll be hosting harbor seal themed fun throughout the day. See below for the schedule of the day’s events:
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Happy Birthday Feed
11:00 - 11:15am, Pinniped Habitat -
Pinniped Enrichment Session
1:30 - 1:45pm, Pinniped Habitat -
Skinny Painting Enrichment & Raffle
2:30 - 2:45pm, Pinniped Habitat
Join us at 11:00am to sing happy birthday to Skinny as she gets a celebratory treat!
Or join us for one of our afternoon enrichment sessions, including a pinniped painting raffle.
As part of the upcoming celebration, the Aquarium has launched a special sponsorship opportunity, with funds directly supporting Skinny’s ongoing care. Donors who contribute $50 or more by June 1 will have their name featured in a commemorative video to be released following the celebration.
Skinny’s Story
In nature, harbor seals can live into their twenties, while those in human care can live into their thirties—or, as in Skinny’s case, well beyond.
Skinny’s longevity reflects her status as a survivor. In 1975, Skinny was just a pup when she was found stranded on a beach in Washington, orphaned, dehydrated, and starving. After receiving immediate care she was deemed non-releasable, and found a temporary home at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium in Tacoma, Washington.
She came to her permanent home at the Oregon Coast Aquarium just before its grand opening in 1992, and has been a fan favorite ever since. Skinny is easy to identify thanks to her sleek silver fur and wide eyes. Her caretakers joke that Skinny doesn’t blink—if she did, another 50 years might just fly by.
“Skinny has been alive longer than her caretakers,” said Brittany Blades, Oregon Coast Aquarium’s Curator of Marine Mammals. “She’s seen it all. There have been major changes in animal husbandry practices over the last 50 years, and she’s adapted amazingly.”
Blades began working with Skinny 14 years ago, building a foundation of trust that would benefit them both. As it turns out, you can teach an old seal new skills. Thanks to patience, positive reinforcement, and the dedication of Aquarium mammalogists, Skinny surpassed expectation after expectation, and is now the most self-assured seal at the Oregon Coast Aquarium.
Just like humans, harbor seals are prone to arthritis, cataracts, and other age-related ailments. Aquarium mammalogists are well-versed in looking after geriatric animals, and provide Skinny with specialized treatment to ensure she stays healthy and comfortable through her golden years, including acupuncture, laser therapy, and chiropractic adjustments. Skinny continues to learn and practice new behaviors. During training, the marine mammals learn to lie down on cue, follow a target, hold a pose, and more. These skills come into play during medical exams, allowing the animals to participate in their own care. During a recent ultrasound to check up on her internal health, Skinny knew exactly what to do. On her cue, she followed, rolled, and held still as veterinary staff got to work, soon confirming Skinny remains as healthy as ever.
Skinny will continue to live out her retirement at the Aquarium, charming visitors, volunteers, and staff alike. Considering her age, every day with Skinny is a gift.
“Earning Skinny’s trust, watching her progress, and growing with her has been a highlight of my career,” said Blades. “It’s truly been an honor.”
