Phenomenal advanced age of pupping in a captive pacific harbor seal (Phoca vitulina richardsi)
Publication Type: |
Journal Article |
Year of Publication: |
2015 |
Authors: |
Jonathan L. Temte, Erin Flynn |
Publication/Journal: |
Zoo Biology |
Keywords: |
birth timing, maternal age, phocids, pinnipeds, reproduction |
ISBN: |
1098-2361 |
Abstract:
To better define the life history in the captive environment, we describe the reproductive history and advanced age of pupping of a female Pacific harbor seal (Phoca vitulina richardsi) at the Henry Vilas Zoo (HVZ) in Madison, Wisconsin. This female gave birth to a viable pup on May 16, 2012, at the age of 42 years and is the oldest documented birth reported for this species. This female also demonstrated high temporal fidelity to her previously described birth timing. The pup’s sire was also 42 years at the time of birth. Captive harbor seals can remain reproductively healthy into their 5th decade. Zoo Biol. 34:522–524, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.