In February 2025, Niña joined the wonderful team at the Aquarium of Québec in Québec City. Welcomed as a treasured “creature” upon her arrival, she quickly charmed the staff with her boundless curiosity and her laid-back personality that makes her so unique.

This transfer is temporary and aims to ensure 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 of québec?

 

Following the passing of her mother, Océane, in February 2024, Niña became the only harbour seal at aquarium nb. Born here, Niña had always lived alongside other seals since birth.

 

what we considered when making this 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, etc.

Environmental: habitat, shelter, water quality, etc.

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

Behavioral: ability to express natural behaviors, movement,
participation, etc.

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

 

We also considered the natural and instinctive behaviors of harbour seals in the wild. Known as a gregarious species, they generally live in groups or communities, although they do not exhibit highly complex social structures. Living in groups provides several advantages, including increased protection from predators, more efficient foraging, opportunities for reproduction, 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 welfare threshold was established for Nina.

 

how was this decision made?

 

Throughout this period, Niña was closely monitored by a team of professionals consisting of aquarium nb’s Animal Health Programs Coordinator, veterinarian, trainers, and aquarists, along with a group of external veterinary specialists and behavioral trainers.

The team implemented numerous measures to stimulate and enrich her daily life by introducing additional enrichment activities, varied 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 changes in her behavior that were affecting both her mental and physical well-being.

In September 2025, the committee determined that we had reached the established welfare threshold and that everything possible for Niña’s well-being at aquarium nb had been done. It was therefore time to move to the next step: temporary relocation.

 

why was the aquarium of québec chosen?

 

For us, the choice was simple!

In addition to having an excellent relationship with the Aquarium of Québec team, we knew they could provide Niña with an environment suited to her fundamental needs, particularly through 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 an opportunity to optimize our facilities to provide an environment that meets the needs of the species while adhering to 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!