Henry Vilas Zoo announces Sparky the Seal has died

MADISON, Wis. -- Henry Vilas Zoo announced 26-year-old harbor seal Sparky has died.

Sparky was born at Henry Vilas Zoo in 1998 and he was visited by hundreds of thousands of guests throughout his life who were able to learn more about the adaptations of harbor seals.

He was a senior seal. In the wild, male seals live approximately 20-25 years. Sparky had been receiving long-term care for chronic eye and dental disease. While receiving treatment for a new eye concern, it was discovered Sparky had also developed heart disease and pneumonia.

"Our entire animal care staff was involved in the decision," said Zoo Director Ronda Schwetz. "It is never easy to make the decision to say goodbye. "Sparky has been with this zoo for his entire life and our keepers have developed close bonds with him." "We are heartbroken to him."

The zoo has two other harbor seals, Sammye and Piper. In remembrance of Sparky, seal keeper chats will be temporarily be suspended.

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