Friday was a sad day at the Seattle Aquarium, where a popular and beloved harbor seal named Barney passed away. When the aquarium celebrated his 39th birthday in September, curator Veronica Seawall noted that Barney was “one of the oldest harbor seals in human care — possibly the world — that we know of.” A 39-year-old harbor seal is 100 human years old.
Barney was born at Seattle Aquarium on September 14, 1985.
A hard decision
Dr. Caitlin Hadfield, the aquarium’s director of Animal Health and animal care teams strived to keep Barney happy and comfortable as he aged. However, like many elderly humans, he developed some age-related health issues. He recently showed an acute decline, and concerned for the seal’s quality of life, the team made the difficult decision to humanely euthanize him on March 14.
“We know that many in the community will join the Aquarium’s staff and volunteers in mourning this loss. Barney will be remembered and missed,” said Aquarium President and CEO Bob Davidson.
Barney ready to tuck into his birthday treats last September. (Image: Seattle Aquarium)
A first
Barney was the first harbor seal to be born here at the Aquarium. He shaped many caregivers over his long life and was cherished by all, particularly for his easygoing and inquisitive nature.
“I knew Barney for 19 years, and my appreciation of him only grew as time passed,” Animal Care Specialist Cheryl Becker said. Hadfield, who worked since 2017, added: “Barney had great trust in his human caregivers and his home. He had a number of health concerns over the last few years, and we learned a lot from each other. I’m proud of the care the animal care staff provided and that we were able to help ensure that his end of life was peaceful.”
Davidson called Barney a “one-of-a-kind ambassador” for the aquarium.
An inspiration to a generation
“He inspired a stronger curiosity about the ocean in millions of people — a curiosity that inspired action for the conservation of our marine environment,” he said.
“In my childhood bedroom is a box filled with my most precious memories. Paramount among them is a series of photos of me as a child at the Seattle Aquarium, including one where I’m smiling beside a harbor seal who happens to be Barney,” wrote Cyren Guerrero, part of the aquarium’s Life Sciences/Operations team.
“In many ways, subtle and overt, he played a role in shaping who I am,” Guerrero added. “Choosing a career in animal care, grounding my purpose in life to bring people’s focus and empathy to conservation, staying committed to being silly in my age and, of course, only eating what I want. In the two decades since the photos were taken, I had the immense pleasure of playing a small role in caring for Barney.”
Aquarium Supervisor of Birds and Mammals Mariko Bushcamp had her own connection:
“Barney and I were the same age, and I had known him for nearly half my life,” Bushcamp said. “You’ll leave a big hole — but thank you for all the memories, Barn.”
