Oregon Coast Aquarium (OCAq) is saddened to announce the passing of beloved 35-year-old harbor seal Boots.
After a recent endoscopy and biopsy revealed cancer in Boots’ esophagus, her caretakers determined her quality of life was at stake. After thorough evaluation and consideration, the decision was made to move forward with humane euthanasia.
The decision is never made lightly—when an animal under their care isn’t feeling well, staff make every effort to identify and remedy the cause, even implementing specialized methods like laser therapy and chiropractic care.
Boots first started showing discomfort while eating in the early spring, prompting a series of diagnostic tests and a tentative treatment plan. Unfortunately, her symptoms didn’t improve, and subsequent tests revealed severe ulcers in Boots’ esophagus. A biopsy was sent away for additional testing, but the ulcers themselves presented an immediate risk of rupturing.
“It was a hard call to make, but the right one,” said Brittany Blades, OCAq’s Curator of Marine Mammals. “We wanted there to be as little stress as possible for Boots, and saying goodbye while she could still participate in her own care was important.”
Surrounded by those who loved and cared for her, Boots fell asleep for the last time.
Boots was found stranded as a pup on a beach in Mexico in 1988. Orphaned and dehydrated, she was deemed non-releasable, and lived at Sea World San Diego before coming to OCAq in 1992, just in time for its grand opening.
Often described as the sassiest seal, Boots charmed staff, volunteers, and visitors alike. She was known for interacting with guests by hanging upside down in the water, her gaze curious and fixed on passersby. Behind-the-scenes, her favorite activities included sunbathing and engaging with her caretakers. Ever enthusiastic during training sessions, Boots would wave her flipper, vocalize, and blow bubbles at the water’s surface. Due to her calm demeanor and interest in new people, she starred in an episode of “Crikey! It’s the Irwins,” gaining her international fame and fans.
Boots was considered a super senior, having surpassed the normal life expectancy of her wild counterparts by more than a decade. In nature, harbor seals can live into their mid-twenties. They tend to live longer under human care due to the constant supply of high quality food, excellent veterinary care, and absence of predators. Throughout her 35 years, Boots acted as ambassador of her species, connecting people with marine wildlife.
“She impacted so many lives,” Blades reflected. “We’ll carry her in our hearts forever.”
