Oregon Coast Has World's Oldest Harbor Seal, Celebrating 50 Years Soon

Published 05/27/25 at 6:05 p.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Newport, Oregon) – Newport on Oregon's central coast has a world record few know of. (Photos courtesy Oregon Coast Aquarium)

It turns out, the Oregon Coast Aquarium is the home of the world's oldest Pacific harbor seal. Skinny is her name, and on June 3 the little lady will celebrate half a century of existence.

Well, she won't celebrate as much as those around her. She'll undoubtedly get spoiled with a tad more fish than usual.

On that day, the aquarium will host a shindig for the historic milestone as Skinny turns a whopping 50 years old. The beloved longtime resident is known for her charm and resilience, and in that spirit the event will feature seal-themed activities, raffles, presentations, and special enrichment sessions designed to showcase Skinny’s incredible journey.

“In nature, harbor seals can live into their twenties, while those in human care can live into their thirties - or, as in Skinny’s case, well beyond. Skinny’s longevity reflects her status as a survivor,” said the aquarium’s Courtney Klug.

Skinny, however, has defied those expectations.

Her story began in 1975 when she was found stranded on a Washington beach as a malnourished and orphaned pup. After receiving lifesaving care, she was deemed non-releasable and found refuge at Tacoma’s Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium before moving to her permanent home at Oregon Coast Aquarium in 1992 - just ahead of the Aquarium’s grand opening.

Now considered a retiree, Skinny remains a cherished fixture at the Aquarium, delighting visitors, volunteers, and staff alike.

“Earning Skinny’s trust, watching her progress, and growing with her has been a highlight of my career,” said Brittany Blades, said the aquarium’s Curator of Marine Mammals. “It’s truly been an honor.”

In recognition of Skinny’s milestone, the Aquarium has launched a special sponsorship campaign to support her ongoing care. Donors contributing $50 or more will have their names featured in a commemorative video released following the celebration.

Celebration Schedule:

Happy Birthday Feed
11:00 - 11:15am, Pinniped Habitat
Pinniped Enrichment Session
1:30 - 1:45pm, Pinniped Habitat
Skinny Painting Enrichment & Raffle
2:30 - 2:45pm, Pinniped Habitat

Join up at 11:00am to sing happy birthday to Skinny as she gets a celebratory treat. Or attend one of the afternoon enrichment sessions, including a pinniped painting raffle.

The Oregon Coast Aquarium is located at 2820 S.E. Ferry Slip Rd., Newport, OR. aquarium.org, 541-867-3474.

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