The Primorsky Aquarium have launched another round of its wellness program for aging dolphinarium residents. This summer, northern fur seals Pasha and Cheba—two of the Primorsky Aquarium’s longest-standing inhabitants—have once again been transferred to a specially prepared open enclosure at the Marine Mammal Research Station (MMRS).
First arriving at the aquarium in 2010, the pair have now reached respectable ages for their species: 18 and 16 years old. For context, field studies indicate that female northern fur seals can live up to 22 years in the wild, while males rarely exceed 17.
Last summer spent outdoors worked wonders for the stars of the Bering Sea and Sea of Okhotsk exhibit. Pasha, in particular, showed marked physical improvement—healthier fur, skin, and eyes. While at the station, he actively hunted fish that entered the enclosure. For Cheba, the calm environment of the research station proved even more transformative: her stereotypic behaviors (highly repetitive behavior caused by artificial environments) that trainers had struggled to correct for years were completely eliminated.
The flippered residents are now enjoying comfortable housing conditions tailored to their needs: a six-meter-deep pool with a sunshade and meticulously cleaned bottom. Enriched care, regular training sessions, and play are intended to make life at the MMRS as diverse and interesting as possible.
Around-the-clock monitoring is in place, including a dedicated video camera that allows trainers to continuously track any changes in the animals’ behavior.
Anton Brykov, Chief of the Marine Mammal Division, explains, why the transfer happened earlier this year: “We transported the fur seals to the MMRS when the air and water temperature reached 9–10 °C. That matches temperature conditions in the Main Building and ensures smooth transition. Nighttime temperatures also stay above 8 °C. If it gets cooler, the animals can take refuge in the water—a behavior often observed in the wild.”
Pasha and Cheba are now among the oldest northern fur seals maintained under human care in Russia. They no longer perform for the audience, making environmental enrichment all the more critical. The combination of a spacious enclosure, fresh air and natural sunlight is a key to a healthy active old age for the aquarium’s veteran residents.
