Just like a grown-up: spotted seal Jupiter turns two
Spotted seal Jupiter – Jup for short – has celebrated his second birthday. The first marine mammal born at the Primorsky Aquarium, Jupiter is a pup unique in many ways, and his story is the world’s first case of a baby spotted seal being delivered and reared in artificial settings but in entire accordance with biological laws.
“At his age Jupiter can do absolutely everything that an adult spotted seal can: he not only knows basic commands but is fully prepared to participate in animal psychology experimentations which we conduct with our seals,” said the “godfather” of all spotted seals at the Primorsky Aquarium and trainer Igor Katin, who is Scientific Head at the Laboratory of Marine Mammals, the A. V. Zhirmunsky National Scientific Center of Marine Biology, FEB RAS and Lead Specialist at the Primorsky Aquarium Shared Equipment Facility.
Due to living his whole life surrounded by people, Jupiter is more relaxed and sociable than his older companions. For instance, not long ago, routine examination of the seals began to take place in a special veterinary trailer, and while the others were at first suspicious about the roof above their heads, Jupiter felt at ease in the new environment at once.
“Perhaps his parents’ genes have manifested themselves in this way: Jupiter is very smart and curious, he quickly picks up new information at training sessions and knows more than the other spotted seals did at this age,” said Kristina Stepanova, Chief Trainer at the Primorsky Aquarium Shared Equipment Facility. “Changes are occurring not only in Jupiter’s weight but also in his voice: the low purr is gradually turning into a bass growl.”
Jupiter likes to be touched and allows people both to stroke and hold him in their arms; male trainers lift him while they still can – two-year-old Jupiter already weighs 66.8 kilos.