New Bedford’s Buttonwood Park Zoo Was Closed Due to Beloved Seal’s Passing

NEW BEDFORD (WBSM) — New Bedford’s Buttonwood Park Zoo is mourning the loss of one of its beloved animals, the reason behind its sudden closure on Wednesday.

The zoo posted on its Facebook page Wednesday morning, February 6, at 7:52 a.m. that it would be closed with a rather cryptic message:

“Hello friends, the zoo is closed today. We’ll have more information on reopening at a later time. We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience.”

Over 50 comments followed, most expressing concern and hopes that everything was okay. Some speculated that bird flu may have finally come to New Bedford.

The zoo did not reopen this morning, either.

Get our free mobile app

However, today at 3:30 p.m., Buttonwood Park Zoo offered the reason behind Wednesday’s unexpected closure: the passing of the zoo’s beloved male Atlantic harbor seal, Blue.

“Blue had been under veterinary observation and care since January 31st, when staff members noticed his decreased appetite and his frequent resting at the top of the pool in his habitat,” the zoo posted to social media.

“BPZOO’s veterinary team began a variety of treatments and diagnostic testing, but did not have a conclusive diagnosis at the time of his death. A necropsy was performed, and additional diagnostic results are still pending,” the zoo wrote.

The zoo called Blue’s passing “unexpected and incredibly upsetting” for staff members, which is why the zoo’s leadership “made the compassionate decision to remain closed for the day.”

Buttonwood Park Zoo will reopen tomorrow, February 7, at 9 a.m.

READ MORE: New Bedford's Beloved Ruth the Elephant Has Passed Away