The Seals Will Serve as Ambassadors for their Species in the Wild Arctic Exhibit, as SeaWorld is One of Only Two Facilities in North America Where the Public Can See Ringed Seals
SAN DIEGO (Nov. 9, 2026) – In a continued commitment to animal rescue, rehabilitation and conservation, SeaWorld San Diego has welcomed two rescued ringed seals from Alaska. The seals, Mavsaq and Taku, will serve as ambassadors for their species, helping guests learn more about ringed seals and the importance of protecting marine wildlife.
The move was made in collaboration with the Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC), where both seals received care following their rescue. Mavsaq was found out of his habitat on an oilfield in Alaska’s Beaufort Sea in December 2025, while Taku was abandoned and found lethargic and lying on a rusty pipe on Dutch Harbor’s rocky shore in 2018. Both animals were rescued through the ASLC Wildlife Response Program and determined to be non-releasable. After receiving care at the Alaska SeaLife Center, the seals recently moved to SeaWorld San Diego, where they will continue to receive specialized care.
The arrival of Mavsaq and Taku marks an important collaboration between two Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accredited zoological facilities committed to animal care, conservation and public education. SeaWorld San Diego and the Alaska SeaLife Center are the only two facilities in North America where the public can see ringed seals up close, offering a unique opportunity to learn about this species. The Arctic subspecies of ringed seals are listed as “threatened” under the Endangered Species Act.
Mavsaq and Taku will join resident ringed seal Natchek, who also originated from Alaska. Natchek was found as an abandoned three-month-old pup in Barrow, Alaska, in July 1996 and was rehabilitated at Alaska SeaLife Center before joining SeaWorld San Diego’s Wild Arctic exhibit later that year. Throughout his time at SeaWorld, Natchek has contributed to important scientific research, including a study of ringed seal hearing abilities. He traveled to the Marine Mammal Physiology Lab at the University of California, Santa Cruz, where he participated in hearing tests that helped scientists better understand the auditory capabilities of his species.
“We are glad to partner with Alaska Sea Life Center to provide a home for these ringed seals at Wild Arctic. We are very pleased with their adjustment so far. Our team has the expertise and decades of experience with this species and is excited to introduce these ringed seals to our resident ringed seal.” said Eric Otjen, Vice President of Zoological Operations at SeaWorld San Diego. “
Guests will soon have the opportunity to see Mavsaq and Taku during select times throughout the day at SeaWorld San Diego’s Wild Arctic exhibit. As ambassadors for their species, the seals will help raise awareness about ringed seals, the Arctic ecosystem and the importance of protecting the fragile environments they call home. Their presence will also help guests better understand how human activities can impact Arctic wildlife and its habitat.
Ringed seals are the smallest and most common Arctic seal. They get their name from the small, light-colored circles, or rings, that are scattered throughout the darker hair on their backs. The species reside in arctic waters and are commonly associated with ice floes and pack ice.
“Ringed seals are an incredible species that few people ever have the opportunity to see up close,” said Kristen Steinmetze, Husbandry Curator at the Alaska SeaLife Center. “Through their participation in voluntary research and the connections they’ve made with our guests here at the ASLC, they’ve helped us learn more about their species while inspiring people to care about Arctic wildlife. We’re excited that they’ll continue serving as ambassadors for ringed seals and helping build that understanding with new audiences at SeaWorld San Diego.”
SeaWorld operates one of the largest marine animal rescue organizations in the United States, having assisted more than 43,000 animals over its history. For rescued animals deemed non-releasable by government agencies, SeaWorld provides lifelong care and permanent homes within its parks or coordinates placement at other accredited zoological facilities. This is made possible with the continued support of partner agencies, park guests, Pass Members, and dedicated team members, as well as the people across the globe taking action to protect animals and their habitats. For more information, park hours and to purchase tickets, visit SeaWorldSanDiego.com. Follow SeaWorld San Diego on Facebook and Instagram for the latest park updates and information.
About SeaWorld
SeaWorld is a leading marine life theme park and accredited zoo and aquarium that provides experiences that matter while educating and inspiring guests of all ages to care about marine life. Welcoming millions of guests every year, the parks offer fun and enriching experiences from up-close animal encounters and year-round educational programs to award-winning marine-life themed rides and attractions, special events and exciting entertainment. For more than 60 years SeaWorld has advanced the conservation of marine life in and outside its parks through science, education, and exceptional animal care that is Humane Certified by American Humane and accredited by the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. SeaWorld is one of the largest marine animal rescue organizations in the world, helping more than 43,000 animals to date. The SeaWorld Conservation Fund, a non-profit foundation established in 2003, has provided more than $20 million to nearly 1,400 organizations to advance critical research on every continent. A portion of park proceeds goes toward supporting these longstanding conservation commitments. SeaWorld parks are in Orlando, San Antonio, San Diego and Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE). SeaWorld is part of the United Parks & Resorts Inc. (NYSE: PRKS) portfolio of theme park brands. For more information, visit us at SeaWorld.com.