Beloved Jenkinson's Aquarium Harbor Seal Dies At 34

POINT PLEASANT BEACH, NJ — Luseal, a blind harbor seal who was a favorite of children and adult visitors to Jenkinson's Aquarium, has died at the age of 34, the aquarium staff announced.

Lucy's passing was announced on the aquarium's Facebook page Wednesday night.

"We are devastated," the staff said.

Luseal was rescued after she stranded in the Point Pleasant Canal in February 1991, the Marine Mammal Stranding Center said in a Facebook post.

"Luseal was one of MMSC's most beloved alumni," the center said.

Lucy was a juvenile at the time and was severely wounded, possibly by a shark attack, officials said. She also was visually impaired.

"Unable to survive in the wild, fate would have it that at the same time, a new aquarium was being constructed in Point Pleasant Beach, the location of her rescue," the stranding center said. "Jenkinson’s Aquarium stepped up to provide this very special seal a forever home."

Lucy became a resident at the aquarium in July 1991, and was an integral part of the aquarium family, where she lived more than 10 years longer than the average lifespan of wild harbor seals, Jenkinson's said.

"We are so grateful for the love and care she has received by the Jenkinson's Aquarium staff for over three decades," the Marine Mammal Stranding Center said.

"Luseal was an amazing ambassador for her wild cousins, and she will always be remembered with love," the center said.

The aquarium's Facebook post about her passing had more than 900 comments as of Thursday morning as people expressed their condolences and their memories about Luseal.

"I remember seeing her while on field trips growing up. Now a days I loved bringing my son there to see her all the time. She will be missed," one woman wrote.

"One of my favorite moments ever was being able to take my daughter to see Luseal. I remember when she first arrived when I was a kid, and I’m so grateful Jenks took such good care of her!" another wrote.

"This breaks my heart. Every summer I made sure to come down just to see her. She was such a beautiful soul," another commenter said.

"I spent hours sitting in front watching Lucy as a kid," another wrote. "Grew up with her. I remember doing a book report about her in 1999 and making my mom take me there first thing so I could interview her and her caretakers. Send love to all who knew her and loved her. What a beautiful tribute to see so many ppl share their sweet memories of LuSeal. She will forever be a legend at the Jersey Shore!"

"She captured the hearts of all," the Jenkinson's staff said. "She will be dearly missed."