WHAT ARE SEALS?

Seals are aquatic mammals that belong to the group called pinnipeds. They have streamlined bodies, flippers for limbs, and are well-adapted to life in the water. Seals are divided into two main groups: earless seals (true seals) and eared seals (sea lions and fur seals). They are found in various oceans and seas around the world, often inhabiting coastal areas and feeding on fish, squid, and other marine creatures.

7   R AR E  FACTS ABOUT SEALS

1. WHISKER WONDERS
Seals have these super-sensitive whiskers called vibrissae. Think of them as the underwater version of a superhero’s sixth sense—they help seals “feel” vibrations in the water and assist with things like hunting and avoiding baddies.

2. CHILLIN’ IN ANTARCTICA
Meet the Weddell seal, the ultimate ice explorer. These cuties have a trick up their flippers: they can slow down their heart rate and reduce blood flow to certain areas, turning into real-life ice-loving superheroes.

3. BLOOD VESSEL MAGIC
Seals have a secret weapon against chilly waters: a special network of blood vessels called the “rete mirabile.” It’s like a cozy internal heater that keeps them warm and toasty.

4. DEEP-DIVING DAREDEVILS
Imagine diving as deep as a skyscraper is tall! Well, the Weddell seal holds the record for the deepest and longest dive. They go down to 2,000 meters and stay submerged for over an hour—talk about impressive!

5. THE COZY BLUBBER BLANKET
Besides being a plump cushion, blubber is also a swanky temperature regulator. It has blood vessels that seals can control to distribute heat. It’s like having your own built-in thermostat!

6. WHISKER DETECTIVES
Hooded seals are like underwater detectives—they make little ice holes to nab their fishy suspects. And bearded seals? They use their whiskers as metal detectors to uncover hidden treasures in the seafloor!

7. SEAL SHERLOCK HOLMES
Determining a seal’s age isn’t a piece of cake! Scientists play detective, checking out earplugs and teeth to estimate age. It’s like cracking a seal code to discover their age secrets.



📍 The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk
       10 N Water St, Norwalk, CT 06854