Object Record
Images
Metadata
Object Name |
Sculpture |
Collection |
Metro Parks Tacoma - Permanent Collection |
Date |
1986 |
Description |
Located near the lower entrance to the aquarium building is a bronze statue of a harbor seal reclining on a rock outcropping. Installed in 1986, local artist Larry Anderson created the sculpture to commemorate Dub Dub the seal, who came to Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium as a pup in 1938. A visitor favorite for his lively antics and friendly personality, Dub Dub became known for his longevity as well. At the time he died in 1972 at the old age of 33, the life expectancy of harbor seals in captivity was only around 20 years. When Dub Dub became part of the aquarium at Point Defiance, the tanks were still located along the water as part of the Boathouse Pavilion complex. Visitors were able to purchase small fish to feed to the seals, and Dub Dub was well known for his eager response to the snacks. Together with his mate, Millie, Dub Dub lived a long life at Point Defiance, and made such an impression on the community that a sculpture was commissioned in his memory in 1986, 14 years after his death. An inscription on a bronze plaque accompanies the artwork: "Dub Dub August 1938 - February 1972 Dub Dub, Tacoma's Lovable Clown, the greeter of all Aquarium visitors, spent 33 years of his life in the loving care of his devoted friend, Cecil Brosseau, Aquarium Director. He was famous in the northwest for his happy antics, and is known the world over as the oldest Harbor Seal on record. Together, Dub Dub and Cecil have inspired the building of this modern Aquarium. Plaque donated by Aquarium Friends" |
Location |
Point Defiance Park |
Object Number |
PDP-042 |
Creator |
Larry Anderson |
Web link |
Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium |