If you’re looking for the most wholesome thing to share with your family this week, look no further.
A 33-year-old Atlantic harbor seal named Reggae is winning hearts across the internet—and all it took was one rubber duck and a whole lot of charm.
Reggae lives at the New England Aquarium in Boston, where he was recently filmed hugging, petting and swimming with a rubber duck toy.
The video, posted on Instagram, exploded into one of the aquarium’s top-performing social media posts, achieving nearly 500,000 views and almost 100,000 engagements in less than one month.
“Ohhh to be a harbor seal with his rubber duckie!” the video’s caption read. “Yes, this might be the cutest thing on your feed all month, but it’s also purposeful enrichment for Reggae!”
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It’s the kind of video you watch on your phone, then immediately call your kids over to see. Some Instagram users even described the rubber ducks as “emotional support duckies.” And honestly? It’s hard to argue with that.
A harbor seal with the chillest vibes
What makes Reggae such a lovable character isn’t just what he does—it’s who he is. The aquarium staff describes him as the ultimate laid-back guy, the kind of animal personality that kids and families can instantly connect with.
“We describe his personality as very mellow. He’s a very easygoing guy, he goes with the flow and he loves attention from people,” Rebekah Miller, the aquarium’s manager of the pinniped area, told the Associated Press.
While some seals prefer high-energy behaviors like porpoising or dancing, Reggae is more inclined to interact with objects—like his beloved rubber duck. He’s less interested in showing off and more interested in a calm, cozy hang with his favorite toy.
“He’s a pretty chill guy,” Mollie Collins, one of the aquarium’s trainers, told Boston.com. “He’s like, ‘Oh, you know, I’d rather go find a rubber duckie.’”
If your little ones have a favorite stuffed animal or bath toy they carry everywhere, they’ll get it. Reggae is basically one of them.
More than just a cute moment
Here’s the part that turns an adorable video into a real conversation starter with your children. What looks like playtime is actually part of structured enrichment and training—and it’s a core part of daily life for the seals at the aquarium.
Training is designed to stimulate mental activity, maintain physical health and encourage natural behaviors. Key skills being developed include memory, problem-solving and focus.
Enrichment helps compensate for things the animals would experience in the wild, with a focus on both mental and physical wellbeing.
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The rubber duck is a frequently used enrichment object, and Reggae has developed a positive association with it.
“I think he does have a positive association with it, even more so than some of the other objects,” Patty Leonard, the aquarium’s associate curator of pinnipeds, told Boston.com.
Trainers use verbal cues like “Target” and “Hold it” along with positive reinforcement such as fish, touch and scratches. Reggae performs behaviors including finding and retrieving objects, nudging items with his nose, holding toys with his flippers and balancing objects on his body.
One standout exercise is called “Find It.” Trainers place objects in the exhibit, and the seals must locate matching items elsewhere—a fun problem-solving game that’s not unlike a scavenger hunt your kids might enjoy at a park.
A family destination worth bookmarking
If Reggae’s video has your family itching for an outing, the outdoor exhibit where he lives could be the perfect destination. The seals live in a 42,000-gallon outdoor habitat designed to mimic a rocky shoreline, located right on the aquarium’s front plaza.
The New England Aquarium houses five Atlantic harbor seals, all born at the aquarium and descending from long-term resident seals. Reggae himself is known to interact with guests by swimming toward the glass and retrieving objects near them—so your little ones might just get a personal hello.
And if your kids ask, “How old is Reggae?”—get ready for their jaws to drop. At 33 years old, Reggae has lived well beyond the typical lifespan of wild harbor seals, which is around 25 years.
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Aquarium seals often live longer, with many reaching 30–40+ years. That longevity is attributed to veterinary care, structured training and daily enrichment—the very things that make Reggae’s rubber duck sessions so much more than play.
Share it, save it, plan a trip
The goal of the viral video was to showcase both the animals and the behind-the-scenes training work that happens at the aquarium daily. It clearly hit the mark.
“I love videos like this where multiple people and departments collaborate to make something special, and I’m so ecstatic Reggae is getting so much love,” Marisa Bernal, the aquarium’s social media manager, told Boston.com.
As for Reggae? He appears unfazed by his viral fame. He’s still just a mellow guy, going with the flow, hugging his rubber duckie and charming anyone who stops by the glass.
So go ahead—text that video to your partner, show it to the kids at breakfast and start planning your next family adventure. Reggae will be waiting.
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