Blind seal finds new home at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium

TACOMA, Wash. (CBS, KYMA) - Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium in Tacoma, Washington announced Tuesday it had welcomed its newest resident: A rescued, blind harbor seal named Onion.

The zoo said the 11-year-old male would make his public debut this weekend after recently arriving from Cleveland Metroparks Zoo.

In a press release, Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium said Onion's story began in September 2015 when he was stranded at 17 months old on Herring Cove Beach in Provincetown, Massachusetts.

"He was rescued by the International Fund for Animal Welfare and admitted to the National Marine Life Center’s marine animal hospital on Cape Cod for rehabilitation before joining Cleveland Metroparks Zoo," the statement said.

"During his recovery, Onion developed a serious eye infection that left him blind in his right eye and with a lesion in his left eye, making him non-releasable to the wild. Since then, he's had both eyes removed for his own comfort. Despite his blindness, Onion has thrived under human care," it added.

Executive Director of Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Chris Kuhar said the facility was happy Onion was being moved somewhere that would "support his long-term wellbeing and continued success."

Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium said Onion was already bonding with two female harbor seals, Qilak and Riley.

"Qilak and Riley have both successfully raised pups and demonstrated exceptional maternal care," said Rocky Shores Curator at Point Defiance Zoo Jen DeGroot. "We're looking forward to supporting the harbor seal Species Survival Plan's breeding recommendation and contributing to the long-term health of this population. Animals like Onion remind us how adaptable and resilient marine mammals can be when given the right care. We're excited for guests to get to know him and see how well he’s adjusting to his new home."