Hoover The Speaking Seal: An Incredible, Notable Animal With A Heart Of Gold
Hoover’s story is a poignant reminder of the deep connections that can form between humans and animals. Happy Feel-Good Friday!
Hoover The Speaking Seal
This story appears in: Jack and Kitty’s Feel-Good Stories About Animals
Winona, MN – What would you do if you discovered an orphaned seal pup needing help? In May 1971, Scottie Dunning found himself in this exact scenario. Today we’ll travel from our home in the Midwest, to New England for a true, feel-good story that is sure to bring a smile to your face.
In the quaint harbor of Cundy’s Harbor, Maine, a heartwarming event took place, forever altering our view of the connection with the animal world. It all started when Scottie Dunning discovered a tiny seal pup, alone and appearing lost. This wasn’t just any seal; this was Hoover, a harbor seal destined to bridge the worlds of humans and marine life in a unique way.
After discovering the pup’s mother had tragically passed away, Dunning, along with his brother-in-law George Swallow, decided to take the little seal under their care. Named “Hoover” for his remarkable ability to suck up fish just like a vacuum cleaner, this seal was about to embark on an extraordinary journey.
Hoover’s early days were spent in the Swallows’ bathtub, a temporary arrangement that soon gave way to a more fitting home in a spring-fed pond, complete with a “pup tent” and wire fence. Here, Hoover thrived, growing not only in size but in the hearts of the Swallow family. He became more than just a pet; he was a companion, riding along with George, his head poking out of the car window, much to the delight and amazement of onlookers.
The bond between George and Hoover was profound. As Hoover grew, so did his capacity to surprise. Alice Swallow recounts fond memories of Hoover waiting for his breakfast, responding to George’s calls with what seemed like eager anticipation. But Hoover had an even more astonishing trait: he began to mimic George’s thick, gruff New England accent.
As Hoover’s size and appetite increased, the Swallows made the difficult decision to reach out to the New England Aquarium. Though it was a tough goodbye, it marked the beginning of Hoover’s wider impact on the world.
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Initially, the Aquarium staff were skeptical of George’s claims about Hoover’s vocal abilities. It wasn’t until five years later that Hoover, now comfortable in his new surroundings, started to utter phrases like “Hello, there!” and “Come over here!” mirroring George’s unique accent. This remarkable skill turned Hoover into a sensation, bringing him into the limelight of publications and television shows.
Hoover’s legacy is one of wonder and inspiration. While none of his offspring inherited his unique vocal talent, his grandson Chacoda, or “Chucky”, showed promise in guided vocalizations. As of 2007, Chucky remained vocal, demonstrating the ongoing curiosity and dedication of the Aquarium staff.
Hoover’s story is a poignant reminder of the deep connections that can form between humans and animals. This enthusiastic, orphaned seal showed us that there are boundless possibilities when we open our hearts and homes to the natural world. In Hoover, we find a symbol of hope, a seal who not only mimicked human speech but who, in his own unique way, spoke to the heart of our shared existence on this planet.
Written by Kitty Norton. © 2024 Jack and Kitty Norton. Reprinted by permission of Jack and Kitty Media Group. In order to protect the rights of the copyright holder, no portion of this publication may be reproduced without prior written consent. All rights reserved.
🗣 How adorable is the story of Hoover the Speaking Seal? What is your fave animal? We’d LOVE to hear from you in the comments section below. ⬇️
