The youngest spotted, or larga, seal of the Primorsky Aquarium, Jupiter, celebrated his birthday on March 6.
Visitors may regard him as a common seal, the same as his companions. However, the trainers, vets and other Aquarium members know in which way he is special. Jupiter is the first Phoca largha that was conceived, born, and became mature in captivity, within a limited area of a floating sea pen.
Each spotted seal has a unique coat pattern, much like fingerprints. Apart from their outward differences, all the animals are personalities, each one with their own character and habits. Jupiter grew up in the Marine Mammal Research Station (MMRS) of the Primorsky Aquarium, and thus gets on with people better and is more stress resilient than his flippered friends. Jup loves it being in the house for vet checks, where he is taught by trainers how to dance and sing. His present trainer is Artiom Dolia. Both the teacher and the student are young and ambitious. They sort of learn together, helping each other to solve the problems arising during the studies.
The birthday boy truly has a versatile and multifaceted personality. He is easily trained and never backs down from a challenge. He thinks it over and sometimes comes up with an unconventional solution. And he is also a normal young seal, ready to play and to explore, super affectionate and cuddly.
Happy birthday, Jupiter! May you get fast results in learning all the “seal sciences” and may you have many more years of good appetite and cheerfulness!