Viral Video Shows Seal Cuddling Rubber Duckie

Aquarium's animal enrichment program sparks heartwarming social media moment.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 3:11am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a bright yellow rubber duck toy, with the surface texture rendered in high detail and dramatic lighting to create a glamorous, high-contrast aesthetic, conceptually representing the joy and playfulness of a captive seal interacting with an enrichment object.A playful harbor seal's affectionate bond with a simple rubber duck toy has captured hearts online, highlighting the value of mental enrichment for captive animals.Boston Today

A 33-year-old harbor seal named Reggae at the New England Aquarium in Boston has become an internet sensation after a video was shared showing him snuggling and playing with his favorite rubber duck toy as part of the aquarium's animal enrichment program.

Why it matters

The video of Reggae the seal's adorable interactions with his rubber duck toy has resonated widely on social media, highlighting the importance of mental stimulation and enrichment for captive animals in zoos and aquariums to keep them healthy and engaged.

The details

The New England Aquarium regularly provides toys and other objects for its seals and other marine animals to interact with as part of its animal enrichment program, which aims to keep the creatures mentally stimulated and curious. In the recent viral video, Reggae the 33-year-old harbor seal can be seen cuddling, nuzzling, and even tossing around a bright yellow rubber duck with clear delight.

  • The video of Reggae and his rubber duck was shared by the New England Aquarium on April 8, 2026.

The players

Reggae

A 33-year-old harbor seal at the New England Aquarium who has become an internet sensation for his adorable interactions with a rubber duck toy.

New England Aquarium

A renowned aquarium in Boston, Massachusetts that runs an animal enrichment program to keep its marine creatures mentally stimulated and engaged.

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What they’re saying

“Reggae's joy and playfulness with his rubber duck really captures the spirit of our animal enrichment program. We're thrilled that his cute antics have resonated so widely online.”

— Cynthia Sexton, Director of Animal Care, New England Aquarium

The takeaway

The heartwarming video of Reggae the seal cuddling his rubber duck toy is a powerful reminder of the importance of mental stimulation and enrichment for captive animals, helping to keep them healthy, curious, and engaged even in a controlled environment.