Seattle Aquarium Welcomes New Harbor Seal Flounder | Aquatints News

The **Seattle Aquarium** has welcomed a new resident, **Flounder**, a 12-year-old harbor seal who was relocated from **Miami Seaquarium** after its closure in October 2025. Born in human care, **Flounder** was deemed non-releasable and cannot safely live in the wild. He is now settling into his new home alongside harbor seals **Casey** and **Hogan**. The **Seattle Aquarium** is providing a safe and welcoming home to **Flounder**, advancing its mission to provide excellent care to marine mammals that cannot live in the wild. [[seattle-aquarium|Seattle Aquarium]] is a leader in marine conservation and education, and the arrival of **Flounder** is an exciting addition to its harbor seal habitat. The harbor seal habitat at the **Seattle Aquarium** features a large pool and a haul-out area where seals can rest, along with multiple viewing panels that give visitors an up-close look at these playful marine mammals. Visitors can also see northern fur seals **Chiidax** and **Flaherty**, as well as river otter **Molalla** and sea otters **Mishka**, **Ruby**, and **Sekiu**. [[harbor-seals|Harbor seals]] are a familiar sight along Washington's coastlines and waterways, and the **Seattle Aquarium** provides a unique opportunity for families to learn about their behaviors and role in marine ecosystems.

• The Seattle Aquarium has welcomed a new harbor seal named Flounder
• Flounder was relocated from Miami Seaquarium after its closure in October 2025
• Flounder was deemed non-releasable and cannot safely live in the wild
• The Seattle Aquarium is providing a safe and welcoming home to Flounder
• The arrival of Flounder highlights the importance of providing excellent care to marine mammals that cannot live in the wild

The relocation of **Flounder** from **Miami Seaquarium** to the **Seattle Aquarium** is a result of the closure of the former facility. The **Seattle Aquarium** has a responsibility to provide a safe and welcoming home to **Flounder**, and its staff is working to ensure a smooth transition for the seal. The arrival of **Flounder** also highlights the importance of providing excellent care to marine mammals that cannot live in the wild. [[aquariums|Aquariums]] like the **Seattle Aquarium** play a crucial role in promoting marine conservation and education, and the arrival of **Flounder** is a significant addition to its harbor seal habitat.

The arrival of **Flounder** at the **Seattle Aquarium** is a positive development for marine conservation and education. The aquarium's ability to provide a safe and welcoming home to **Flounder** demonstrates its commitment to advancing its mission and providing excellent care to marine mammals. This is also an exciting opportunity for families to learn about **harbor seals** and their role in marine ecosystems, and to support the important work of the **Seattle Aquarium**. [[marine-conservation|Marine conservation]] efforts like those undertaken by the **Seattle Aquarium** are crucial for protecting local wildlife and promoting sustainability. The **Seattle Aquarium** is a leader in this field, and the arrival of **Flounder** is a testament to its dedication to providing a safe and welcoming home to marine mammals.

The closure of **Miami Seaquarium** and the relocation of **Flounder** to the **Seattle Aquarium** raises concerns about the welfare of marine mammals in captivity. While the **Seattle Aquarium** is providing a safe and welcoming home to **Flounder**, the fact that he was deemed non-releasable and cannot safely live in the wild highlights the challenges of keeping marine mammals in captivity. [[animal-welfare|Animal welfare]] organizations may have concerns about the treatment and care of marine mammals in aquariums, and the arrival of **Flounder** may spark debate about the ethics of keeping these animals in captivity.

Originally reported by Seattle's Child