Reggae the Seal Plays with Rubber Ducks at Boston Aquarium

The 33-year-old harbor seal uses the toys as part of his daily enrichment training.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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Reggae, a 33-year-old Atlantic harbor seal at the New England Aquarium in Boston, uses rubber ducks as part of his daily enrichment training. The training helps keep Reggae mentally and physically engaged, as he practices skills like memory, problem-solving, and focus by playing fetch and manipulating the toys. Aquarium staff say the enrichment sessions also help strengthen the bond between Reggae and his trainers.

Why it matters

Providing enrichment activities for animals in human care is an important part of ensuring their overall health and well-being. The New England Aquarium's work with Reggae demonstrates how simple toys like rubber ducks can be used to stimulate seals cognitively and encourage natural behaviors.

The details

During the training sessions, Reggae is asked to perform various cues, like nudging a duck with his nose or wrapping his flippers around one while resting on a rock. Trainer Liz Wait rewards Reggae with small fish for completing these tasks. The aquarium says the training not only keeps Reggae mentally engaged, but also helps strengthen the bond between him and his trainers.

  • Reggae is a 33-year-old Atlantic harbor seal.
  • The New England Aquarium recently posted video of Reggae playing with rubber ducks on social media.

The players

Reggae

A 33-year-old Atlantic harbor seal at the New England Aquarium in Boston.

Rebekah Miller

The manager of the pinniped area overseeing the Atlantic harbor seals and California sea lions at the New England Aquarium.

Liz Wait

A trainer at the New England Aquarium who works with Reggae during his enrichment sessions.

Tom Smith

A 13-year-old visitor to the New England Aquarium who was surprised to see a seal hugging a rubber duck.

Hoover

A harbor seal born in 1971 who was raised by a Maine fisherman and later brought to the New England Aquarium, where he gained national attention for mimicking human speech.

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What they’re saying

“He can use his great vision to look around the habitat, find these new items, and he can also use his other senses to kind of explore. It's a great way to challenge our animals. We want to create challenges for them and really allow them to use those problem-solving skills that they have.”

— Rebekah Miller, Manager of the pinniped area (wbal.com)

“You never expect a seal to hug a rubber ducky.”

— Tom Smith (wbal.com)

The takeaway

The New England Aquarium's work with Reggae the harbor seal demonstrates the importance of providing enrichment activities for animals in human care. By using simple toys like rubber ducks, the aquarium is able to stimulate Reggae cognitively and encourage natural behaviors, while also strengthening the bond between the seal and his trainers.