Behind the scenes with the fur seals: Chiidax meets Kit

We first introduced Chiidax last month. The Northern fur seal pup had been left in a box on the doorstep of an Alaskan Fish and Wildlife office—underweight and dehydrated. Not knowing where he came from or how to find his mother, Chiidax was hand raised by rescuers.

He arrived at the Aquarium's off-site holding facility late last year. After a brief quarantine period, Chiidax moved to a behind-the-scenes area at the Aquarium so he could start meeting the other animals in the exhibit. First member of the welcoming committee: Kitovi!

Kathy Streeter, Marine Mammals Curator, gives Kitovi and Chiidax a moment to get acquainted before opening the door of the kennel

Chiidax and Kitovi, nose to nose

Trainers weren't sure how Chiidax would react. It was the first time he'd seen another fur seal since he was a week old! After an initial moment of curiosity when the pair went nose to nose, they took to the water soon after and swam and played and got to know each.

The pair took to the water and seemed to have fun swimming and
checking each other out

Fast friends

Chiidax will remain behind the scenes for a while now while he's introduced to the other members of the marine mammal center. But you can come by and say hi to the rest of the youngsters!

Feeling right at home: Chiidax playing with his food

Meet the fleet of frisky pups at the Marine Mammal Center!

• Kitovi the Northern fur seal was born at the Aquarium this year
• Watch Kit's bashful debut on exhibit
• Her big brother Flaherty celebrated his first birthday this summer
• Leu is another rescued Northern fur seal
• Zoe and Sierra are rescued California sea lions with a lot of spunk