(Photo via MUN Ocean Sciences.)
Memorial University’s Department of Ocean Sciences has announced the passing of a well-known and much loved harp seal.
Babette, also known as Babs or Girlie, passed away on Wednesday.
It is with heavy hearts that we had to say goodbye to our beloved Babette. Babs was collected from the Magdalen Islands Mar 89’ making her approximately 39 years old. She was the ‘Grandmother’ of the group, being social and inquisitive. 💕 @MemorialUSci pic.twitter.com/pyybkV7xrH
— Ocean Sciences (@munocean) December 22, 2021
She was collected from the Magdalen Islands by Dr. Jack Lawson back in March of 1989, she was believed to be about six years old at the time, making her approximately 39 years old when she died.
She is survived by her daughter Deane, and Deane’s father, Tyler and was predeceased by her sons Jamie in 2013 and Lenny in 2014
I caught Babette and pup on the ice off the Magellan Islands those many years ago. She was a “big boned girl” – when we put her in the back of the cargo aircraft, it almost tipped up on its tail! Deane Renouf, let me name her – after a French maid! So sad to hear of her passing.
— Dr. Jack Lawson (@drjwlawson) December 23, 2021
