Curiosity is supposed to be for kids and cats, but this seal proved that even sea mammals like to have fun. This amazing video provided by the Oregon Zoo shows a little seal having the best time just chasing a butterfly through the water. Ths shows yet again that animals have many characteristics in common with humans. They aren’t just focused on survival; they like to have fun!

13. Natural Explorers

Animals love to explore the world around them, even as they are constantly focused on their own survival. This video from the Oregon Zoo shows a seal having the best time just swimming in her aquarium. Animals in captivity need lots of stimulation to keep them happy and active. Oregon Zoo created a great experience and Kaya the seal takes full advantage of it.

12. Born in Alaska

Kaya was born in captivity at the Alaska Sea Life Center. Since she doesn’t have the experience of being in the wild, she has to remain confined. Thankfully, she had been cared for by the best keepers and they are very attuned to her needs. They describe Kaya as “curious and brave in new situations and likes to explore.”

11. Pacific Harbor Seal

Kay was born on June 2, 2015, in Alaska. She arrived at Oregon Zoo in October of 2015. Her name means “stay” in Inuit. She has shiny fur with lovely spots. The Oregon Zoo is located in Washington Park, Portland, just two miles southwest of downtown Portland. Founded in 1888, it is the oldest zoo west of the Mississippi River.

10. Distinctive Patterns

Also known as California seals, these beautiful creatures have a unique pattern of spots, either dark on a light background or light on a dark. They vary in color from brownish black to tan or grey. They are found along temperate and Arctic marine coastlines of the Northern Hemisphere.  In the northeast Pacific, they range from Alaska to Baja California, Mexico.

9. Stellar Cove

The seal is swimming in “Stellar Cove,” a habitat which replicates the Pacific Ocean. In addition to sea lions and seals, the habitat includes otters like the one above. Micah Reese, a dive safety officer, was the first to witness the adorable encounter. Noticing that there are few opportunities for seals and butterflies to interact with each other, Reese shot the video.

8. A Closer Look

The Oregon Zoo released this video to the public to show how much Kaya is brave and curious. It shows a butterfly who is on the other side of the glass from Kaya. Immediately Kaya notices the tiny butterfly and takes an interest in it. She swims right up to get a closer look.

7. Fluttering Away

The butterfly flutters through the air but keeps returning to the glass encasement. Meanwhile Kaya is completely enchanted by the butterfly. She spins and swims, always in the direction of the butterfly. It almost looks like she’s dancing!

6. Swatting at the Insect

It is unclear whether the butterfly is deliberately interacting with the seal, but Kaya stays focused on her new friend. She presses her nose to the glass and even swats at the butterfly to get its attention. Kaya has a sweet and curious face. What could be cuter?

5. Graceful Swimming

Kaya’s maneuvers in the water are very graceful. She twists around and takes several nosedives straight for the butterfly. When the butterfly moves, she tries to mimic its flight path. You can tell how much she is curious about the insect. Where did it even come from?

4. You’re It

If you watch the video over again, you’ll see that it is almost as if the two are playing a game of tag. She just back and forth, and even moves her neck in strange ways just to get closer to the butterfly. Onlookers are also charmed by Kaya’s antics. They have never seen a seal do something like this before, but it is completely spontaneous.

3. The Wonder of a Child

Animals have the same wonder at their environment as little kids. As adults, we sometimes forget how amazing this big world is. Watching this video by the Oregon Zoo reminds us to look at the world through new eyes. Notice the delicate wings of the butterfly, and the curviness of Kaya’s flipper.

2. Butterfly Admiration

Don’t we all remember chasing butterflies and lightning bugs at night? That’s what Kaya is doing here. Just chasing the butterfly and getting to know its movements, and just for the pure fun of it. By the end of the video it seems clear that the butterfly is aware of her admirer and is joining in on the fun.

1. A Game of Chase

It appears as if the two species are playing a light game of chase. By the end of the video, Kaya races off screen. The butterfly is in pursuit. Watching this fun yet calming video is sure to make your day better. Thankfully,  Kaya has a great opportunity to safely interact with her environment, thanks to her keepers.