A playful Atlantic harbour seal has become an unlikely social media sensation after a video of him hugging, kissing and playing with a yellow rubber duck captured the hearts of animal lovers around the world.
The clip, shared by the New England Aquarium on Instagram and Facebook, features Reggae, a 33-year-old Atlantic harbour seal, happily interacting with his favourite floating toy as part of the aquarium's enrichment programme.
The heartwarming video quickly went viral, attracting more than 80,000 likes and thousands of comments from viewers charmed by the seal's affectionate behaviour.
While many social media users saw the interaction as an adorable moment, aquarium staff say the rubber duck serves a much more important purpose.
Rebekah Miller, the New England Aquarium's manager responsible for the Atlantic harbour seals and California sea lions, said enrichment activities are designed to keep the animals mentally stimulated and encourage natural problem-solving behaviour.
"It's a great way to challenge our animals and really allow them to use those problem-solving skills that they have," Miller told the Associated Press.
The New England Aquarium is home to five Atlantic harbour seals, all of which were born in human care. Staff regularly introduce new objects into their habitat, designed to resemble the rocky coastline of New England, to encourage exploration, curiosity and play.
The viral success of Reggae's rubber duck adventure has not only delighted audiences online but has also highlighted the important role enrichment activities play in ensuring the wellbeing of animals living in accredited aquariums and zoos.