MYSTIC, Conn. (WPRI) — Mystic Aquarium is celebrating the birth of its first northern fur seal pup in more than two decades.

The male northern fur seal pup was born on July 31 to first-time mother Kivli, according to the aquarium.

“They sound like little lambs when they call for their mom — it’s absolutely adorable,” said Laurie Macha, Mystic Aquarium’s senior director of marine mammals and birds. “Watching the pup figure out how to move its body is both funny and cute — their ears are too long, and their flippers are so disproportionate. It’s hilarious to see them adjust.”

Macha described watching Kivli establish a maternal bond with her newborn as being a “beautiful process to witness.”

“A lot of time is spent establishing that bond, with vocal interactions playing a key role in helping them identify each other,” Macha explained.

Both Kivli and her newborn are doing well, the aquarium said.

The pup, who hasn’t been named yet, has been spending time with not only his mother, but also with Kayok, another fur seal pup that was rescued from Alaska last year. The aquarium said the two have been regularly playing, swimming together and snuggling up for naps.

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