Summary:
The Seattle Aquarium has welcomed 12-year-old harbor seal Flounder to its marine mammal habitat after the closure of the Miami Seaquarium. Flounder, who was born at the Miami Seaquarium and lived in human care his entire life, was deemed non-releasable and unable to survive in the wild. The Seattle Aquarium provides homes to harbor seals and other marine mammals that cannot live in the wild while raising awareness about their importance to marine ecosystems. Flounder now joins Casey and Hogan in the harbor seal habitat, which is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The Seattle Aquarium recently welcomed 12 year old harbor seal Flounder to a new home in the Pacific Northwest following the closure of the Miami Seaquarium, providing permanent care for an animal deemed non releasable and unable to survive in the wild.
For decades, the Seattle Aquarium has provided homes to harbor seals and other marine mammals that cannot live in the wild while raising awareness about their importance to marine ecosystems. Aquarium officials said Flounder’s arrival continues that mission.
Flounder was born at Miami Seaquarium and lived in human care his entire life. Because of dependence on humans for food and daily care, Flounder was deemed non releasable. After the Miami Seaquarium closed in October 2025, efforts were made to relocate the animals that had been living there.
With space available in the harbor seal habitat following the death of Barney last year, one of the longest lived harbor seals in human care, the Seattle Aquarium was able to welcome Flounder and provide a safe, caring home.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Flounder,” Lisa Hartman, Seattle Aquarium’s Vice President of Animal Care, says. “We are always seeking opportunities to advance our mission by providing safe and welcoming homes to marine mammals that cannot live in the wild and for whom we can provide excellent care.”
Flounder now joins Casey and Hogan in the harbor seal habitat. The exhibit is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.