Central Park Zoo Harbor Seals are a must-see attraction for zoo enthusiasts visiting New York City. These charismatic marine mammals have found a home in the heart of the city, delighting visitors with their playful antics and captivating behaviors. In this comprehensive blog post, we’ll dive into the fascinating world of the Central Park Zoo Harbor Seals, exploring their species, habitat, diet, and more.
Harbor Seal Overview
The Central Park Zoo is home to two harbor seals, Adam and Ansen, both of which belong to the species Phoca vitulina. Harbor seals are found in the wild in the North Atlantic Ocean, South Baltic Sea, and the North Pacific Ocean. These medium-sized seals typically measure around 5-6 feet in length and weigh between 120-130 lbs, with a distinctive bluish-gray dappled appearance.
Seal Habitat at the Central Park Zoo
The harbor seals at the Central Park Zoo reside in a multi-species exhibit, sharing their habitat with two black-backed gulls, a cormorant, and some ducks. Their 64,000-gallon tank is 6 feet deep and is filtered at a rate of 400 gallons per minute, providing a comfortable and enriching environment for the seals. The exhibit also features access to land, allowing the seals to engage in natural behaviors and explore their surroundings.
Diet and Feeding
In the wild, harbor seals primarily feed on fish and invertebrates, such as crabs, squid, and shrimp. At the Central Park Zoo, the seals are provided with a diet of capelin, herring, and supplemented with Vitamin E and salt to ensure their overall health and well-being.
Life Span and Threats
Harbor seals have a lifespan of 25 to 32 years in the wild. Historically, these seals faced threats from being killed for preying on salmon, as well as being driven away by pollution and development. Today, they continue to be affected by human encroachment and overfishing in their natural habitats.
Fun Facts
- Age Determination: The age of harbor seals can be determined by the number of growth rings in their teeth.
- Breathing Ability: These seals can hold their breath underwater for up to 23 minutes.
- Sleep Patterns: Harbor seals often sleep on the bottom of their tank for up to 15 minutes at a time.
- Flipper Evolution: The seals’ flippers were once hind legs, which have evolved over time to adapt to their aquatic lifestyle.
- Baby Seals: The young of harbor seals are called pups.
Visiting the Central Park Zoo
The Central Park Zoo is open year-round, though specific hours are not provided. The zoo is accessible, but detailed information about accessibility features is not readily available.
Sea Lions at the Central Park Zoo
In addition to the harbor seals, the Central Park Zoo is also home to a captivating exhibit featuring sea lions. The Central Garden & Sea Lion Pool exhibit offers both above and below water viewing areas, allowing visitors to observe these charismatic marine mammals in their natural habitat, with the iconic Manhattan skyline as a backdrop. Keepers at the zoo use a process called “scanning” to encourage the sea lions to engage in their natural behaviors.
Membership and Conservation
Becoming a WCS (Wildlife Conservation Society) Member is a great way to support the Central Park Zoo and its mission to protect wildlife and inspire the next generation of zoologists and conservationists. By becoming a member, you can enjoy a year of adventure at the Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, Queens Zoo, and Prospect Park Zoo.
The Central Park Zoo is committed to conservation efforts, working to protect wildlife and their habitats both locally and globally. By visiting the zoo and learning about the animals, visitors can gain a deeper appreciation for the natural world and become advocates for its preservation.