Today, the Seattle Aquarium unveiled its new $6.5 million harbor seal exhibit. Because I *LOVE* seals (I can talk to them! No, really I can!), I went down to check it out. I spoke with James Gurke, chair of the Aquarium board: "I'm most excited about being able to bring visitors, particularly students, so close to these harbor seals," he said. "They really are the most prolific marine mammal in the Puget Sound. Hopefully, the new exhibit will inspire some future marine biologists."

I was definitely inspired. And with the new exhibit, you can get really close to the seals. Tall acrylic walls have replaced depressing chain-link fences. You can sit on benches, directly at water level, and talk to the seals all day out there, with the Puget Sound right at your back.

Tons more photos after the jump. And get more info at seattleaquarium.org.

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  • Kelly O

Yo Kelly, What Up!
  • Kelly O
  • "Yo Kelly, what up!"

Constructions almost done. Open to the public on Saturday June 1st.
  • Construction's almost done. Open to the public on Saturday June 1st.

New benches!
  • New benches!

6 feet of water! (It used to only be 4.25)
  • 6 feet of water! (It used to be 4.25 feet)

Doesnt it look like shes sitting in the water?
  • Doesn't it look like she's sitting in the water? She's THAT close!

Kids dont need their dumb ole parents to hold them up anymore
  • Kids don't need their dumb ole parents to hold them up anymore

Were named Q and Siku
  • "We're named Q and Siku"

Lady, are you trying to talk to me?
  • "Lady, are you trying to talk to me?"

Ok, if you must know, this move is called bottling
  • "Ok, if you must know, this move is called "bottling"

That pale guy is Barney. Hes 28 years old. I mean, YOUNG.
  • "That pale guy is Barney. He's 28 years old. I mean, 28 years YOUNG."

What, lady? Dog mermaid? SECURITY!
  • "What did you just say? A "dog mermaid"? SECURITY!"

All photos Kelly O. And yes, yes you are a little bit like a dog-mermaid.