Featured Image Credit: Mark Van Bergh via Smithsonian Institution
By Lindsay Edgar
Just a few weeks ago on November 10th, the Smithsonian National Zoo said farewell to its oldest resident, a 43 year old gray seal named Selkie. After being monitored closely by zoo staff members and veterinarians, Selkie the seal passed away peacefully in her enclosure. Before she died, the staff had been examining the multiple masses on her abdomen and had screened her for disease. At 43, Selkie had well surpassed the life expectancy of a captive seal. She set the record for the oldest seal to survive in human care.
Her background was remarkable, and she deserves to be recognized for her animal achievements. Before she arrived at the National Zoo in 1979, she had somewhat of a government clearance. Selkie was part of the Naval Oceans Systems Center team in San Diego and was taught to perform underwater missions during the Cold War. She did things that human divers couldn’t do at low ocean depths- turn large wheel valves, use a screwdriver, position equipment, and retrieve objects from the ocean floor at 1,000 feet below the surface.
Not only was she an asset to covert operations, but she also gave birth to four female pups at the zoo who will keep her memory alive. Because of her genetic makeup, Selkie was a top candidate for participation in the Species Survival Plan, and her offspring will help the gray seal species thrive in captivity. All of her accomplishments aside, Selkie will be dearly missed. Her charming nature has touched the hearts of so many.