POINT PLEASANT BEACH, NEW JERSEY: Luseal, a visually-impaired seal, who became the center of attraction at a Jersey Shore aquarium, has died.
On Wednesday, September 27, “heartbroken” Jenkinson’s Aquarium administrators made the sad announcement of the demise of 34-year-old marine mammal who had attracted thousands of visitors to the Point Pleasant attraction for several years.
“Lucy was a local at heart” who “surpassed the average life expectancy of her wild cousins by over a decade,” the aquarium posted.
When was the seal found?
Luseal was found in 1991 when she was at the brink of her death while being stranded on a retaining wall in the Point Pleasant canal.
The authorities called the Marine Mammal Stranding Center. The center nursed Luseal back to health, but her limited vision meant she could never return to the wild, which ended up a win-win for the mammal and several aquarium visitors.
What did the center say after Luseal's death?
"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 center said according to Patch.com.
"Jenkinson’s Aquarium stepped up to provide this very special seal a forever home," it added.
"We are so grateful for the love and care she has received from the Jenkinson's Aquarium staff for over three decades," the Marine Mammal Stranding Center said, adding "Luseal was an amazing ambassador for her wild cousins, and she will always be remembered with love."
Internet users react to Luseal's demise
Luseal’s death led to a wave of condolences on social media.
"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 on Facebook.
"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!"
