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A white wave shape.

Fur seal

Meet our northern fur seals: Chiidax and Flaherty

Did you know there are currently less than 10 northern fur seals in zoos and aquariums in the United States—and two of them live right at the Seattle Aquarium? Come say hello to Chiidax and Flaherty, ambassadors for the conservation of their species in the wild, on your next visit!

At the Aquarium

Pronounced "FLAY-herty"

Flaherty

Flaherty, or “Flare” as his caregivers call him, was born at the New England Aquarium in 2012 and spent his early years there—which means that he and Chiidax have been “roomies” before! He joined us in early 2015. Fast Flare fact: His father was Isaac, who was the last fur seal born at the Seattle Aquarium.

Pronounced "CHEE-dak"

Chiidax

Chiidax, who goes by Chii (pronounced "Chee") for short, joined us from the New England Aquarium in March 2022. His name means “small young animal” in Aleut. He was found in 2013 as a newborn pup on the steps of the Department of Fish and Game office in a remote area of Alaska. He was hand-raised, and after federal wildlife officials determined he couldn’t be released back into the wild, he was sent to live at the New England Aquarium. 

Pela-what?

In the wild, northern fur seals are pelagic—which means that, if they’re not on land for breeding, they’re in the open ocean. They have some adaptations that help them while living primarily in the water: big eyes to help them see at night; large flippers that propel them through open water; and their thick, luxuriant fur, which made them attractive to hunters for many years. As a result, they’re listed as “depleted” under the Marine Mammal Protection Act and protected under the Fur Seal Act.

A world-first for the Seattle Aquarium

With fewer than 10 in human care, northern fur seals in zoos and aquariums are a rarity—and we at the Seattle Aquarium are proud to have a long history with this important and charismatic species. We’re one of just three facilities in the United States, and the only one on the West Coast, to have them in our care. In 1983, we became the first zoo/aquarium in the world to have a northern fur seal conceived and born in human care—one of whom was Isaac, Flaherty’s dad. When Flaherty came to live with us in 2015, it was like a fur seal full circle!

Quick facts

Male northern fur seals average between 350 and 600 pounds; females average 95 to 110 pounds.

Northern fur seals have a fur density of about 300,000 hairs per square inch!

These seals can turn their hind limbs forward and walk on all fours.

Explore More Mammals

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Two sea otters at the Seattle Aquarium floating on the water in their habitat, holding onto each other demonstrating a rafting behavior.

With your help, the Seattle Aquarium builds connections with our community to inspire conservation and curiosity for marine life. When you make an end-of-year gift by December 31, you'll be joining us in protecting our shared marine environment—now and for generations to come. Thank you!

An adult sea otter at the Seattle Aquarium looking upwards with its front paws resting on its front.

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Sea otter at the Seattle Aquarium laying on its back, raising its head and front paws.

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