Beloved Rescued Seal Della Dies at Aquarium of Niagara

The Aquarium of Niagara is mourning the loss of Della, a 35-year-old rescued grey seal who passed away following a decline in health.

Veterinarians recently diagnosed Della with a severe shoulder condition that caused significant pain and reduced mobility.

Although efforts were made to improve her comfort, her condition continued to deteriorate.

After carefully considering her quality of life, the veterinary and zoological teams decided that humane euthanasia was the most compassionate option. Pathologists are currently working to determine the exact cause of her illness.

Della was a familiar and cherished presence at the Aquarium’s outdoor Rescue Harbor exhibit where she lived for the past ten years.

Originally rescued in 1990 for repeated interactions with humans off the coast of Delaware, she was first placed at Zoo Knoxville before spending time at Lincoln Park Zoo and Brookfield Zoo in Chicago. She arrived at the Aquarium of Niagara in 2015.

While in human care, Della developed bilateral cataracts and eventually lost her sight completely.

Despite becoming blind, she actively participated in her own care using verbal and tactile cues. She also formed special bonds with guests through the Aquarium’s seal encounter program.

With a wild grey seal’s median life expectancy ranging from 25 to 35 years, her long life reflected the exceptional care provided to her by each zoological institutions.

To honor her memory, the Aquarium is inviting the public to share their personal photos and stories of Della on their social media platforms.

Beloved Rescued Seal Della Dies at Aquarium of Niagara