Aquarium of the Pacific Introduces Harbor Seal Pup

One of the best family memberships we ever purchased was one to the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach. You can always count on having a good time there. With its bountiful sea life on exhibit and interactive features, the Aquarium can’t be beat.

Last week, our Surf City Family got the chance to visit Toby, the first male seal pup born at the Aquarium of the Pacific. People who participated in the Aquarium’s Adopt an Animal fundraising program this summer had the chance to suggest names, and Aquarium biologists narrowed it down to one name. Eight-year-old Lola Castorina from Los Angeles participated in the Adopt an Animal program and gave Toby his name.

In 2012, the Aquarium’s harbor seals Shelby and Troy gave birth to their first pup, a female named Bixby. They excited the staff once again this year with the birth of Toby on May 1, 2013. Three-month-old Toby has been growing behind the scenes and has put on over thirty pounds since he was born. He now weighs about 70 pounds.

According to the Aquarium: “Toby’s mother Shelby came to the Aquarium in 1998. His father Troy came to the Aquarium in 2007 and was the Aquarium’s only male harbor seal until the birth of his son. Female harbor seals typically give birth to young starting at four to five years of age. Shelby is seventeen years old, and Toby is her second pup.”

We had a great morning exploring the aquarium, we visited wit the Lorikeets too, touched some stingrays and enjoyed the current Deep Ocean exhibit too.

The public can see the first male seal born at the Aquarium of the Pacific in the Seal & Sea Lion Habitat. The Aquarium is open from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily and until 8:30 p.m. during Discounted Late Nights (viewing is best during daylight hours). Aquarium admission is $25.95 for adults 12+, $22.95 for seniors 62+, $14.95 per child (ages 3-11). For more information, visit www.aquariumofpacific.org or call (562) 590-3100.