Andre The Seal

André the Seal (May 16, 1961 – July 19, 1986) was a male harbor seal (''Phoca vitulina'') who lived in Rockport, Maine for 25 years after being found as an orphaned pup. André was rescued and raised by Harry Goodridge, a tree surgeon and harbormaster in Rockport. The seal became a tourist attraction, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors to the coastal town. André's case occurred during the establishment of marine mammal protection laws and generated discussion regarding human-wildlife interaction.

André performed tricks for visitors, demonstrated behaviors not typically observed in wild harbor seals, and conducted annual migrations to Massachusetts waters. His life was documented in books, news articles, documentaries, and a 1994 motion picture. The seal died in 1986 at an estimated age of 25 years.

Early life and rescue

André was found on May 16, 1961, as an estimated two-day-old pup on Robinson's Rock, a small island in Penobscot Bay near Rockport, Maine. Harry Goodridge discovered the pup during a routine patrol. The pup appeared dehydrated and separated from its mother, possibly due to a storm that had occurred several days earlier.

Following consultation with veterinarians and the National Marine Fisheries Service, Goodridge attempted to locate André's mother by returning the pup to various locations around Penobscot Bay. When these efforts were unsuccessful after several days, and with the pup's condition deteriorating, Goodridge received permission from federal authorities to provide temporary care for the seal. The temporary arrangement became permanent.

Relationship with Harry Goodridge

Goodridge initially intended to train André as a diving companion for underwater tree work, which involved removing submerged logs and debris from harbors. André learned to respond to his name, perform various behaviors, and follow basic commands. The seal initially slept in Goodridge's workshop before being housed in a specially constructed pen in Rockport Harbor. As André matured, Goodridge allowed the seal increasing freedom to venture into Penobscot Bay for extended periods before returning to Rockport.

Goodridge documented their relationship through photographs, film footage, and behavioral logs. These records were later used by marine biologists studying harbor seal behavior and cognition.

Public performances and tourism

André's presence in Rockport attracted increasing numbers of visitors beginning in the late 1960s. By the 1970s, thousands of people visited Rockport each summer to observe André. The seal performed various behaviors including operating horns and bells, catching objects, and wearing props.

Local businesses reported increased summer tourism revenue related to André's presence. The Maine Department of Economic Development estimated that André generated over $20 million in tourism revenue for the midcoast Maine region during his lifetime.

André's performances typically occurred twice daily during summer months, with crowds reaching up to 1,000 people on busy days. Goodridge established a voluntary donation system to help cover André's care costs, which included approximately 15-20 pounds of fish daily, veterinary care, and facility maintenance.

Behavior and characteristics

André exhibited behaviors that marine biologists noted as uncommon in wild harbor seals. These included problem-solving activities, distinguishing between different types of boats, and apparent counting ability in response to commands involving specific numbers of objects.

The seal showed attachment behaviors toward the Goodridge family and appeared to experience distress when separated for extended periods. Dr. Ronald Schusterman of the University of California, Santa Cruz, who conducted studies involving André, observed that the seal's cognitive abilities appeared enhanced compared to wild counterparts, possibly due to environmental enrichment and human interaction.

Seasonal migrations

Beginning in 1965, André voluntarily left Rockport each winter, swimming approximately 160 miles south to waters around Marblehead, Massachusetts. The seal typically departed in late November or early December and returned to Rockport between late March and early May.

This migration pattern was unusual among harbor seals in the region, as wild populations typically remain in local waters year-round. Scientists theorized that André's behavior might represent a historical migration route that had been lost in wild populations.

During winter stays in Massachusetts, André became known to local residents in the Marblehead area, where he was observed on docks and in the harbor.

Legal status and conservation context

André's situation occurred during implementation of the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, which prohibited taking, importing, or possessing marine mammals without permits. The National Marine Fisheries Service granted Goodridge an educational permit that allowed continued care of André while using the seal for educational programs about marine mammals. This decision served as precedent for similar cases involving long-term human-wildlife relationships.

Environmental organizations held varying positions on André's situation. The National Audubon Society supported André's role in education, while some members of the Society for Marine Mammalogy expressed concern that André's status might encourage others to capture wild marine mammals.

Media coverage and representations

André was the subject of extensive media coverage throughout his life. Harry Goodridge co-authored "A Seal Called Andre" with Lew Dietz, published in 1975. The 1994 Paramount Pictures film " Andre," starring Keith Carradine, was based on André's story and grossed over $7 million at the box office.

André was featured in television documentaries on National Geographic, the Discovery Channel, and PBS. Major publications including ''The New York Times'', ''National Geographic'', and ''People'' magazine published articles about André and his relationship with Goodridge.

Death

André died on July 19, 1986, at approximately 25 years of age. Harbor seals typically live 15-20 years in the wild. Death was attributed to heart failure, possibly related to advanced age and physical stress from annual migrations. A necropsy performed by veterinarians from the University of Maine confirmed that André had exceeded normal life expectancy for his species.

André's death was reported in major newspapers across the United States. The town of Rockport received over 10,000 sympathy cards and letters. A memorial service was held in Rockport Harbor on July 23, 1986, attended by over 500 people. Goodridge scattered André's ashes in the harbor waters.

Memorials

In 1978, the town of Rockport commissioned sculptor Jane Wasey to create a marble statue of André. The statue, located in Rockport Harbor, depicts the seal in a characteristic pose. The statue required restoration work in 2018, funded through community donations totaling $14,000.

Additional memorials include a plaque at the Penobscot Marine Museum and André-themed displays in downtown Rockport.

Scientific research

André's case provided researchers with data about harbor seal behavior, cognition, and longevity. Studies conducted during his lifetime contributed to research on harbor seal intelligence, learning capabilities, problem-solving abilities, and social cognition.

Research with André helped establish comparative cognitive abilities between pinnipeds and cetaceans. André's extended lifespan allowed researchers to study harbor seal aging, metabolism, and physiology over an extended period.

André's voluntary migration pattern provided data on harbor seal navigation and site fidelity, including evidence for innate navigation abilities and behavioral flexibility in marine mammals.

Controversy

André's situation generated debate among animal rights organizations, marine mammal scientists, and members of the public regarding the appropriateness of keeping a wild seal in human care.

The Humane Society of the United States expressed concerns about using André for entertainment purposes, citing potential stress from performance schedules and crowd interaction.

Supporters argued that André showed no signs of distress and that veterinary examinations throughout his life revealed no stress-related health problems. André's longevity was cited as evidence that his care conditions were adequate.

Some conservationists expressed concern that André's case might encourage inappropriate human interference with wild animals, while others maintained that André served an educational function regarding marine mammal conservation.

Economic impact

Annual visitor surveys conducted between 1975 and 1985 indicated that André attracted an average of 200,000 visitors per year to Rockport, with peak years exceeding 300,000 visitors.

Economic impact assessments estimated annual revenue of $8-12 million in accommodation bookings, $6-9 million in local business revenue, increased transportation bookings, and creation of seasonal employment in tourism-related sectors. André's economic contribution extended to the broader midcoast Maine region through increased area awareness and extended visitor stays.

Legacy

André's influence on marine mammal policy included contributing to development of policies regarding marine mammal rehabilitation and release. The Marine Mammal Protection Act was amended in 1994 to include provisions for educational display permits partly based on experiences with cases like André's.

Educational programs at marine science centers throughout New England include André-related content. The Maine State Aquarium features an André exhibit about harbor seal biology and conservation. Scholarship programs have been established in André's name, including the André Memorial Scholarship for marine biology students at the University of Maine.

Rockport continues to receive visitors related to André, with the statue and memorials serving as tourist attractions. The town has developed an "André Trail" that includes locations associated with the seal's life.

See also

* Hoover (seal) – Harbor seal who lived at New England Aquarium
* Marine Mammal Protection Act – Federal legislation affecting André's care
* Harbor seal – André's species
* Human-wildlife interaction
* Wildlife tourism
* Rockport, Maine

References

External links

Penobscot Marine Museum
– Includes André exhibit

Marine Mammals of Maine

NOAA Fisheries
– Harbor seal species profile

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1961 animal births
1986 animal deaths
Individual seals and sea lions
Individual animals in the United States
Tourism in Maine
Rockport, Maine
Penobscot Bay