Sandra MurrayNewfoundland Travel Blog - Harp Seals and Touch Tank at Marine Lab
Updated: Jun 13
Many of us spend years "chasing the dream" in our 9 to 5 jobs. This was certainly the case for me but, after my retirement, I saw that life had more possibilities than previously imagined. As a lover of nature and owner of a small vacation rental in Pouch Cove, I often explore the outdoors, take photos, and share my experiences with guests in order to help them plan their vacation. I really enjoy visiting Marine Lab, and especially the seal tanks, to watch the three resident harp seals from the outdoor observation platform. I'd like to invite you to meet Tyler (Dad), Babette (Mom), and Deanne (Daughter) and to hear their story. Since the original post, Babette has died from natural causes in her 30's.
This is Tyler, currently in his 30's, the upper end of the life expectancy of 30 years for harp seals living in the wild. Tyler has been in captivity ever since his birth in 1990. He has a genetic fur discoloration known as "smutty" which conceals the harp markings that are normally visible and distinctive for harp seals. Interestingly, this rare discoloration is found only in males. #seal, #harpseal, #marinelab, #tourismNL, #destinationstjohns
Tyler's partner is Babette, the eldest of the three harp seals at the Marine Lab, and believed to be in her late 30's. "Babs", as she is affectionately called, was the first harp seal in the world to give birth to a live offspring in captivity. She clearly demonstrates the characteristic dark saddlebag markings along her side. On the day that this photo was taken, her mood was relaxed as she stretched and yawned atop the wooden platform outside her tank while soaking up some sun. #harpseal, #mammal, #wildlife, #seamammal
Finally, let's meet Deane. She is the daughter of Tyler and "Babs" and was born in '02. Like her mom, Deane was enjoying the sun and relaxing on deck during my visit to Marine Lab on the day on which this picture was taken, #seawildlife, #marinelab, #harpseal
Harp seals reach sexual maturity at about 4-6 years of age. During mating and molting season, they gather in huge numbers on the ice. Courtship is mainly through vocalizations, blowing bubbles, gestures, and with the males chasing the females on the ice. Females are pregnant for 7 1/2 months and give birth to one live pup. In the wild, the mother tries to secure strong pack ice on which to birth so as to give her pup the best chance of survival. Despite the fact that pups can not swim or find their own food source until about 7 weeks of age, the mother nurses her young for only about 12 days before abandoning it to fend for itself.
This picture of Deane clearly shows her short, thick clawed, front flippers. Harp seals use their powerful front flippers for directional changes when swimming. The sleeker back flipper can be opened into a fan shape and is used for diving and propelling through water. Because of their shape and structure, seals are quite awkward and slow moving when out of the water. #harpseal, #marinelab, #mammals, #wildlife, #wildlifephotography, #nature
Babette is being coy in this pose, peaking out from behind a circular support. She appears to be winking and her heart-shaped nose just adds to the sentiment of the moment. Here you can see her long whiskers (called vibrissae), which are used to detect food when swimming. A harp seal's favourite foods are fish and crustaceans. #sealdiet
Did you know that Harp seals do not have ear flaps but, instead, ear slits which are designed to help them hear well under water. They can open and close the flaps (and their nostrils) when diving to prevent water from entering these openings. Harp seals seem to prefer shallow water but can dive up to over 1300 feet and stay under water for up to 15 minutes at a time. #seal
The seals at Marine Lab love it when the staff spray them with water! Watch them stretch and do a back flip. #harpseal #marinelab #sealplaying
Not to be overlooked, during the summer season, Marine Lab has an outdoor touch tank which welcomes visitors to view and touch some ocean species that inhabit our waters. #crab, #seaurcin, #starfish, #seacucumber, #mussel, #clam
While at Marine Lab, take a look around to appreciate the beautiful natural experiences at your fingertips and imagine the unseen world that lives under the sea. #sea, #ocean, #marinelab, #coast, #horizon
I'm sure you will agree that Marine Lab is a delightful experience to include in your Newfoundland travel itinerary. Please follow my Newfoundland Travel Blog to see my work on some other popular tourist attractions in eastern Newfoundland. I'd be delighted to hear from you so why not contact me today?