Roger Williams Park Zoo Beloved Seal Bubba Has New Residency, Woods Hole Science Aquarium

PROVIDENCE, RI (May 13, 2022) Roger Williams Park Zoo’s beloved harbor seal Bubba has a new residency at Woods Hole Science Aquarium on Cape Cod. Bubba brought joy to staff and visitors of the Zoo for over 20 years. Although the Zoo will miss him very much, staff and volunteers are excited to know that he’ll have harbor seal company.

Harbor seals are very social animals and thanks to coordination with USDA and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Harbor Seal Species Survival Program (SSP), the Zoo’s animal care staff made the decision to rehome Bubba where he can thrive, living with a new companion, Kitt. Kitt is a one-year-old female who was injured then stranded, and rehabilitated by Marine Mammals of Maine, an organization that is federally authorized to care for stranded seals like Kitt.

“Bubba’s long-term welfare is our top priority and although our entire team is sad to see him depart the Zoo, we know he will receive the very best care at Woods Hole Science Aquarium,” said Amy Roberts, Roger Williams Park Zoo’s Director of Animal Programs.

The Aquarium provides a home for seals that are unable to be released into the wild. Kitt, while lively and healthy, is blind and cannot forage for herself in the wild. And at 21 years of age, Bubba has never lived in the wild and was in need of a new habitat mate. The seals can live long and healthy lives in an aquarium setting where they will receive top medical and dental care, enrichment and continue to teach visitors about the importance of protecting marine life and their natural habitats.

Roger Williams Park Zoo is Rhode Island’s number one outdoor family and tourist attraction, and a leader in conservation efforts undertaken by a zoo of its size. As leaders in conservation and animal care – we create engaging experiences that empower guests to join us in conserving wildlife and wild places. Roger Williams Park Zoo is supported and managed by the Rhode Island Zoological Society and is owned by the City of Providence.

NOAA Fisheries, in tandem with Woods Hole Science Aquarium, is responsible for science-based conservation & management for sustainable living marine resources & healthy ecosystems.

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