Archie the seal, one of the Aquarium’s most beloved animals, died over the weekend after a brief stomach illness, it was announced this morning.

At the ripe old age of 38 human years, and 114 in seal years, Archie was believed to be the oldest male seal of his species in captivity anywhere in the world.

Archie, who fathered three pups over the years, Pebbles, Calico and Ariel, all of whom are still at Bermuda Aquarium, Museum & Zoo, has long been a favourite of visitors and locals.

Born on Sable Island, Nova Scotia, Archie joined the BAMZ in 1976 and BAMZ Principal Curator and veterinarian, Ian Walkers said: “Over the years, children have grown up and returned to visit Archie with their own kids. He was a very popular member of the BAMZ family and he will be sadly missed. Our aquarists are very passionate about the animals under their care and are understandably saddened by his passing.”