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Seattle Aquarium @seattleaquarium.bsky.social · 6d

We're otterly ecstatic to be cheering on the Mariners as they head into the ALDS later today! 🔱

Let's seas the moment! 😉💙 #TridentsUp

📸 & 🧊: Animal Care Specialist I Anthony

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Seattle Aquarium @seattleaquarium.bsky.social · 14d

And each June for the past 25 years, Seattle Aquarium researchers have participated in an annual survey documenting the trend of Washington's recovering sea otter population. Now, we estimate Washington's sea otter population is growing at a rate of 10% each year! 🗺️

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Seattle Aquarium @seattleaquarium.bsky.social · 14d

This research includes monthly hikes along WA's outer coast to collect foraging data and document diets. 🦪 When diets start to diversify (meaning they're eating non-preferred foods), the population has reached local carrying capacity and needs to expand into new territory. (2/3)

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Seattle Aquarium @seattleaquarium.bsky.social · 14d

We study sea otters by the seashore—and it's pretty great. Learn more about our research for #SeaOtterAwarenessWeek 👇

Our Research Program was launched in 1995 with a focus on sea otters. Since then, we've conducted countless studies on their biology and ecology! 🦦 (1/3)

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Seattle Aquarium @seattleaquarium.bsky.social · 15d

Enrichment can include many different things, including:
• Sensory experiences (floating objects with differing textures) 🌿
• Food (like puzzles with a favorite morsel inside) 🍽️
• Habitat changes (to add complexity to the surroundings) 🏠
• And more! 🪀

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Seattle Aquarium @seattleaquarium.bsky.social · 15d

Our animal care teams provide activities and other opportunities for animals to satisfy their behavioral needs, optimize their level of mental stimulation and experience a rich, variable environment. (2/3)

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Seattle Aquarium @seattleaquarium.bsky.social · 15d

Today for #SeaOtterAwarenessWeek, let's talk enrichment! 🧩

Providing the very best care and quality of life for the animals entrusted to us is a vital part of our mission. Every animal at the Aquarium, from invertebrates and fish to birds and mammals, receives enrichment! (1/3)

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Seattle Aquarium @seattleaquarium.bsky.social · 18d

and subsequently deemed non-releasable (like Mishka and Adaa were). Fun fact: Sekiu's father, Adaa, was the oldest male sea otter on record! 🤯

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Seattle Aquarium @seattleaquarium.bsky.social · 18d

🤍 Sekiu was born right here at the Aquarium in January 2012 to mother Aniak and father Adaa. She was the last sea otter born in a zoological facility in the United States. AZA-accredited institutions (like us!) now prioritize keeping space available for sea otters that were rescued, rehabilitated +

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Seattle Aquarium @seattleaquarium.bsky.social · 18d

🤎 Mishka joined us in January 2015 after being caught in a fishing net as a young pup, then being rescued and rehabilitated by the Alaska SeaLife Center and deemed non-releasable by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.

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Seattle Aquarium @seattleaquarium.bsky.social · 18d

It's #SeaOtterAwarenessWeek! 🦦 We'll be spending this week talking all things sea otters—from sharing fun facts and paw-sitively adorable pics to diving into all the ways you can help this keystone species.

Let's kick it off by getting to know our resident sea otters, Mishka and Sekiu. 👇

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Seattle Aquarium @seattleaquarium.bsky.social · 24d

Sadly, humans are causing significant problems for this species. Always follow posted guidelines for where to walk and where not to walk when taking a stroll on the beach (or in the park), keep your pets on a leash and avoid driving your vehicle on the beach. Small actions can make a big difference!

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Seattle Aquarium @seattleaquarium.bsky.social · 24d

Today is Plover Appreciation Day. But we appreciate plovers every day—and so should you! 🫵

Meet Crush, a western snowy plover. These birds grow to just 6 inches long at adulthood and weigh in at less than two ounces. That's roughly equivalent to two slices of sandwich bread! 🍞

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Seattle Aquarium @seattleaquarium.bsky.social · 25d

We 🩵 this!

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Seattle Aquarium @seattleaquarium.bsky.social · 26d

Happy birthday, Barn. We miss you. 🩶

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Seattle Aquarium @seattleaquarium.bsky.social · 26d

Barney's old age is a testament to the expert care he received. To celebrate his legacy, we’re republishing a story we shared last year on his birthday. Revisit celebrations from over the years and commemorate his extraordinary life with us: www.seattleaquarium.org/stories/dive...

Dive down memory lane with us to celebrate Barney’s 40th birthday!

Dive down memory lane to revisit harbor seal Barney's previous birthday celebrations as we commemorate what would have been his 40th birthday.

www.seattleaquarium.org

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Seattle Aquarium @seattleaquarium.bsky.social · 26d

Barney was born the same year that downtown Seattle’s tallest skyscraper, Columbia Center, opened; two years before the band Nirvana was formed; and 15 years before the Kingdome was demolished—and throughout it all, he has remained our favorite PNW icon. 🌟

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Seattle Aquarium @seattleaquarium.bsky.social · 26d

On what would have been his 40th birthday, we're looking back fondly at the incredible life of Barney, the elderly harbor seal in our care who passed earlier this year. Barney was born here at the Aquarium on September 14, 1985. 🦭

Illustration of Barney the harbor seal with text that reads: "Barney forever." 🎨: Illustration by Graphic Designer Kia

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Seattle Aquarium @seattleaquarium.bsky.social · Sep 5

Joining the world’s largest and most diverse environmental network will allow us to grow our conservation impact and ability to revitalize endangered populations both locally and globally.

Read more: seattleaquarium.org/press-releas...

We're looking forward to this next chapter! 🥳🎉

Seattle becomes one of the first aquariums to join the International Union for Conservation of Nature

We are thrilled and honored to announce the Seattle Aquarium is now a proud member of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

seattleaquarium.org

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Seattle Aquarium @seattleaquarium.bsky.social · Sep 5

This is a full-circle moment for us as our Research Program was launched with a focus on sea otter biology and ecology before expanding into what it is today. Now, we are proud to be one of the first aquariums to become a member of the IUCN! (3/4)

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Seattle Aquarium @seattleaquarium.bsky.social · Sep 5

(Pictured above) Dr. Shawn Larson, the Aquarium's Senior Conservation Research Manager, serves as Deputy Chair on the Species Recovery Commission’s Otter Specialist Group. Research Scientist Amy Olsen also serves as part of the group's management team. (2/4)

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Seattle Aquarium @seattleaquarium.bsky.social · Sep 5

Big news: The Seattle Aquarium has been approved as a member of the IUCN (International Union for the Conservation of Nature)! 💚🌏

The IUCN spearheads conservation projects worldwide, working to reverse habitat loss, restore ecosystems and improve animal wellbeing. (1/4)

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Seattle Aquarium @seattleaquarium.bsky.social · Sep 3

This photo 😂 Could we repost this to our social channels (with credit, of course)?

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Seattle Aquarium @seattleaquarium.bsky.social · Sep 1

We're honored! 🤣🩵

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Seattle Aquarium @seattleaquarium.bsky.social · Sep 1

Thanks for visiting Rhina! 🩵

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