In February 2026, Niña joined the wonderful team at the Aquarium du Québec in Québec City. Welcomed as a precious “creature” upon her arrival, she quickly charmed the staff with her boundless curiosity and her laid-back personality that makes her so unique.

 

This temporary transfer is intended to support her well-being by providing her with a living environment that meets her social needs.

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Why has Niña been temporarily relocated to the Aquarium du Québec?

 

Following the passing of her mother, Océane, in February 2025, Niña became the only representative of her species at aquarium nb. Born here, Niña has lived with other seals her entire life.

 

 

What we considered in making our decision?
 

To properly assess the situation, Niña’s fundamental needs (and those of harbour seals in general) were carefully evaluated.

 

These needs include:

- Physiological: food, rest, sleep

- Environmental: habitat, shelter, water quality

- Health-related: physical and mental condition, stress levels,
discomfort

- Behavioral: ability to express natural behaviors, movement,
participation

- Social: interactions and social bonds with members of the same species, interests

 

We also considered the natural and instinctive behaviors of harbour seals living in the wild. Known as a gregarious species, they generally live in groups or communities, although they do not exhibit a complex social structure.

 

This social lifestyle provides several benefits, including improved protection from predators, more efficient foraging opportunities, reproduction opportunities, and social interactions that are part of their natural behavior and contribute to their overall well-being.

 

Because humans cannot replace or replicate interactions between individuals of the same species, a limit was established regarding Niña's long-term welfare.

 

 

How was this decision made?

 

During this period, Niña was closely monitored by a team of professionals consisting of aquarium nb’s Animal Health Programs Coordinator, the veterinarian and trainers as well as a group of external veterinary specialists and behavioral trainers.

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The team implemented numerous measures to stimulate and enrich her daily life, including additional enrichment activities, a variety of training sessions, and different forms of environmental stimulation.

 

In the spring of 2025, certain signs began to emerge. Despite all of these efforts, we continued to observe behavioural changes that were affecting her mental and physical well-being.

 

In September 2025, the committee determined that we had reached the limit of what could be done to support Niña's welfare at aquarium nb. It was therefore necessary to move to the next step: temporary relocation.

 

 

Why was the Aquarium du Québec chosen?

 

For us, the choice was simple!

 

In addition to having an excellent relationship with the team at Aquarium du Québec, we knew they could provide Niña with an environment suited to her fundamental needs, including the presence of other seals.

 

We also knew they could ensure continuity of her healthcare, whether routine, preventive, or emergency, continue her biomedical training, and care for her as if she were one of their own.

 

 

Meanwhile, at aquarium nb...

 

Niña’s absence gives us the opportunity to optimize our facilities and provide an environment that meets the needs of the species and the highest animal health and welfare standards recommended by the Canadian Accredited Zoos and Aquariums (CAZA/AZAC).

 

After all... Niña can’t come back to the aquarium all by herself!