Boston’s New England Aquarium recently threw a joyful celebration for two extraordinary Atlantic harbor seals, Amelia and Trumpet, who turned 40 this spring—far surpassing the typical 25 to 30-year lifespan of their wild counterparts. Amelia and Trumpet are still going Boston Strong.
Born and raised at the Aquarium, Amelia (born May 28, 1985) and Trumpet (born June 7, 1985) have become beloved residents at the open-air exhibit on Central Wharf. Their longevity is a remarkable testament to the Aquarium’s exceptional veterinary care and dedicated staff. The aquarium threw a special seal-approved birthday bash to celebrate!
These amazing ladies have enthralled visitors for four decades,” said Kristen McMahon, Curator of Pinnipeds and Penguins. “Their long lives highlight our commitment to animal wellbeing and the strong bonds our trainers build with them.
Amelia and Trumpet share a unique family story—they are half-sisters, daughters of Hoover, famously known as “the talking seal.” They live in a spacious 42,000-gallon habitat alongside Trumpet’s children, Cayenne (31) and Chacoda (29), and Amelia’s brother, Reggae (31). Each seal has its own charming personality: Amelia is known for “bottling” (floating vertically with her nose in the air) and quirky sleeping positions, while Trumpet enjoys squid, painting on canvas, and sleeping underwater.
Assistant Curator Patty Leonard, who has cared for the seals for 20 years, notes the special connection these animals have with visitors. “At any time of day or night, people stop by to see what the harbor seals are up to. Their personalities and the exhibit’s design draw people in daily.”
The Aquarium’s trainers work closely with the seals, training them to participate in their own healthcare routines, such as toothbrushing and eye exams, while also involving them in research that benefits wild populations. As ambassadors for their species, Amelia, Trumpet, and their family help educate the public about marine conservation and the challenges Atlantic harbor seals face, including the impacts of climate change on their food supply.
Thanks to protections like the Marine Mammal Protection Act and cleaner waters in Boston Harbor, local harbor seal populations have rebounded. Still, the Aquarium’s celebration is a reminder of the ongoing efforts needed to safeguard these remarkable animals and their ocean home.