Nature is not a place to visit, it is home Keeping zoo harbor seals in shape

With new training routine

ForgetWordle or spin class.

The latest craze in mental training — if you’re a harbor seal at the Oregon Zoo, that is. Care staff in the zoo’s marine life area are working with harbor seals Tongass, Atty and Kaya on above and below the water, and they’re getting great results.

“Harbor seals are really smart, and we want to keep them active and engaged,” said Nicole Nicassio-Hiskey, a senior keeper who cares for the seals. “Training sessions like these help us build strong relationships with the seals, and it makes our time together that much more fun.”

Each harbor seal is assigned their own shape — Tongass the star, Atty the moon and Kaya the triangle. When Nicassio-Hiskey gives them a cue, they dive below the surface and head toward an underwater viewing window, where other keepers are holding shapes against the glass. keepers might request a series of present” and “mouth open.” And after they complete their routine, the seals are rewarded with some of their favorite foods.

According to Nicassio-Hiskey, they’re learning quickly and having a good time doing it, but the training also serves a higher purpose.

“Practicing these behaviors in a fun environment helps the harbor seals participate in their own care,” she explained. “If they ever need a dental check or an x-ray, we can provide that without causing a lot of stress.”

And there’s no doubt the seals

“When they see the shapes, they start zooming around really fast, and they get so excited,” Nicassio-Hiskey said. “And guests like to watch shape training too.”

Visitors to the zoo might be able to catch a glimpse of the new routine in action. The training takes place in the underwater viewing area at Steller Cove a few times a week.