The New England Aquarium’s Secret Star: Reggae and His Rubber Duckies.
If you’ve visited the New England Aquarium in Boston recently, you might have gone for the towering Giant Ocean Tank or the waddling penguins. But there is a certain harbor seal named Reggae who is currently stealing hearts—and he’s doing it with a collection of squeaky, yellow friends.

Reggae and His Rubber Duckies

While seals are known for their grace in the water, Reggae has gained a massive following for a slightly less “majestic” (but much more adorable) hobby: his absolute obsession with rubber duckies.

Why the Ducks? (It’s Not Just for Show!)

It might look like pure playtime, but there is some serious science behind the cuteness. The aquarium staff uses these colorful toys as part of Reggae’s enrichment program.

In the wild, seals are constant problem-solvers. They have to navigate currents, hunt agile prey, and explore new environments. To mimic that mental stimulation in a habitat, trainers introduce “environmental enrichment.” For Reggae, the rubber ducks serve several purposes:

• Curiosity: New shapes and colors keep his brain sharp.
• Physical Activity: Chasing, diving for, and balancing the ducks keeps him moving.
• Tactile Play: Interacting with different textures is essential for a seal’s sensory health.

A Fan-Favorite Personality

Reggae isn’t just interacting with the toys; he’s performing with them. Visitors often catch him swimming laps with a duck perched perfectly on his head or nudging a fleet of them across the surface of the water.

“He has a very distinct personality,” one visitor noted. “Most seals are focused on the fish, but Reggae seems genuinely thrilled when the duckies come out. It’s impossible not to smile.”

The sight of a sleek, powerful marine mammal gently bopping a tiny plastic ducky has turned Reggae into a viral sensation, proving that even at one of the world’s premier ocean conservation centers, there’s always room for a little whimsy.

See Reggae in Action

Next time you’re in Boston, head over to the outdoor harbor seal habitat. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch a glimpse of the “King of the Ducks” himself. It’s a great reminder that enrichment—whether for a seal or a human—is all about staying curious and finding joy in the simple things.

Planning a trip to see him? Be sure to check the aquarium’s daily schedule for feeding times and enrichment sessions to see the harbor seals at their most active!

Learn more at: neaq.org