Harbor seal’s artwork to be auctioned for Virginia Aquarium Foundation

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) – Rudder, a harbor seal at the Virginia Aquarium, has taken up painting, and his artwork is among several items being auctioned to support the Virginia Aquarium Foundation.

The Virginia Aquarium says it uses enrichment activities like painting to enhance the environment for its animals, including harbor seals, sea turtles, stingrays, and more. These activities are designed to engage the animals’ natural instincts and curiosity.

The painting created by Rudder will be auctioned to raise funds for the Virginia Aquarium Foundation, which supports animal care, conservation initiatives, education programs, and the Virginia Aquarium Stranding Response program.

In addition to Rudder’s painting, the Virginia Aquarium’s online auction fundraiser, Ocean Commotion, offers guests the chance to bid on a behind-the-scenes tour and painting enrichment session with the harbor seals, among many other items.

The Ocean Commotion auction is live now and will continue through October 4, providing an opportunity for the public to support the aquarium’s initiatives.

Click here to bid on auction items.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com.