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"Is It Just... Standing There?" "Too Cute!" This Upright Seal at Otaru Aquarium is a Viral Sensation: "Maybe It Was Human in a Past Life..."
Otaru Aquarium is famous for its dolphin shows and its hilariously disobedient penguin show. But now, an unexpected sight featuring one of its most popular residents, the seals, is taking social media by storm.
I mean, seriously,
this seal is completely standing up lol
#OtaruAquarium
Source: Post by @GacchiRika
Its bold, upright posture looks just like an imposing Nio statue! The post has garnered over 50,000 likes, with comments pouring in on social media, such as "Looks tough," "Maybe it was human in a past life," "Giving off foreman vibes," and "Looks like a gym teacher standing at the school gate."
The Seal That Just Keeps Standing
We spoke with GacchiRika, who captured this moment. The seal in the photo was one of the performers in the show. Apparently, "Seiko-chan," the seal standing imposingly in the foreground, remained in that position for quite a long time.
2足歩行ダンシングアザラシ♪#おたる水族館 pic.twitter.com/ve2OUDKctN
— ガッチリカ (@GacchiRika) October 7, 2024
Source: Post by @GacchiRika
And it wasn't just a one-time thing. When GacchiRika visited the aquarium again the next day, they saw a seal standing there again. Could this be a common sight at Otaru Aquarium?
Where Creatures Live Freely! Otaru Aquarium's "Marine Mammal Park"
GacchiRika, who travels to aquariums and zoos across Japan just to see seals, shared some of the charms of Otaru Aquarium with us.
At Otaru Aquarium, during regular operating hours (excluding the winter season), you can feed fish to the seals and Steller sea lions. It's fascinating to see the seals trying to get fish, each with their own unique appeal—some slap the water, some raise a flipper, and others make groaning sounds.
Also, at the Steller sea lion show, you can see them powerfully climbing rocks and jumping. The penguin show, where they don't listen to a single command, is also adorable lol.
A Must-See for Seal Lovers! The "Seal Travel Convenience Tool"
The homepage brimming with seal love: "Seal Travel Convenience Tool"
The website "Seal Travel Convenience Tool," for which GacchiRika, our interviewee, compiles facility information and provides illustrations, introduces information about aquariums, zoos, and other facilities across Japan that have seals. This site is overflowing with love for seals, so be sure to use it when you're looking for "seal facilities" nationwide!
X (formerly Twitter): @GacchiRika
Seal Travel Convenience Tool: sites.google.com/view/azarashi-benri-tool/
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