The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk announced Friday they are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Rasal, a beloved harbor seal who spent nearly two decades here in Norwalk inspiring guests, mentoring trainers, and leading her fellow seals with intelligence, grace, and courage. Rasal passed away this morning due to age-related health complications.
Photo Courtesy The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk
At 40 years old, she far exceeded the typical life expectancy of harbor seals in human care — approximately 22 years — placing her among the five oldest known in the country. Her long life is a testament to the excellent care she received from the Aquarium’s Animal Husbandry team.
“Rasal was incredibly smart — one of the smartest seals I’ve ever worked with,” said Rachel Stein, director of animal husbandry at The Maritime Aquarium. “She knew so many behaviors and performed them with such consistency and enthusiasm. She taught generations of trainers, and she taught us with patience and confidence.”
Born in 1985 and rescued as a pup off the coast of Maine, Rasal came to The Maritime Aquarium in 2005 from Shedd Aquarium. During the past 20 years, she became a cornerstone of the Aquarium’s seal exhibit and a favorite among staff and guests alike. Rasal is also believed to have spent time in the Navy’s Marine Mammal Program, a chapter that adds depth to her remarkable story.
Photo Courtesy The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk
Dylan Salamone, assistant curator at the Aquarium and one of Rasal’s trainers, describes Rasal as a colleague, noting that she was the seal with whom most young trainers first learned how to train. But his connection with Rasal goes back even further.
“When I was a child visiting the Aquarium, Rasal was the one I remembered,” Salamone says. “Years later, I had the honor of working with her, and being with her at the end of her life was incredibly special.
Her passing marks the end of a beautiful era here at the Aquarium.” Rasal’s intelligence was matched only by her charisma, curiosity, and boldness. She was the first to explore new areas of Pinniped Cove, try new behaviors, and the one the other seals followed. Rasal also became nationally known for her impressive streak of Super Bowl predictions — correctly picking the winning team for three years in a row.
Her impact extended far beyond the exhibit. Rasal inspired thousands of guests to care about marine life and helped to shape the Aquarium’s seal program into what it is today. Her presence was foundational as
the Aquarium evolved — welcoming new seals, new exhibits, and new generations of staff. Her loss will be felt immensely.
Photo Courtesy The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk
The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk works to ignite a connection to Long Island Sound and the ocean to enrich the lives of all people and inspire action to protect our blue planet. The Aquarium is home to over 8,000 animals of hundreds of species including seals, sharks, rays, jellies, turtles and meerkats. Additionally, it offers sensory-enhanced 4D movies, educational programs for schools and families, and leads conservation activities to better protect the wildlife and natural habitats of the Sound.
The Maritime Aquarium is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums and receives support from the State of Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development, Office of Tourism. For more information, visit www.maritimeaquarium.org.