In Photos: Abandoned Albino Seal Pup Gets Her Own Home

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Abandoned Albino Seal Pup

Nafanya the albino seal

(Image credit: Akvatoria Dolphinarium | Adler, Russia)


Nafanya is an albino seal pup who was rejected by her family, but has now found a new home at a Russian dolphinarium. Read on to find out her heartwarming story. [Full article here]

Red Fur, Blue Eyes

Nafanya the albino seal

(Image credit: Akvatoria Dolphinarium | Adler, Russia)


Nafanya had been rejected by her family members, who have black coats, because of her rusty brown fur and pale blue eyes.  

Lone Pup

Nafanya the albino seal

(Image credit: Akvatoria Dolphinarium | Adler, Russia)


A Russian photographer came across the baby seal on Tyuleniy Island, a small island located in the Sea of Okhotsk, in September. His photos of the lone pup garnered attention from all over the world, and soon Nafanya found a new home at a Russian dolphinarium.

A New Home

Nafanya the albino seal

(Image credit: Akvatoria Dolphinarium | Adler, Russia)

His photos of the lone pup garnered attention from all over the world, and soon Nafanya found a new home at a Russian dolphinarium.

Waiting to Meet New Friends

Nafanya the albino seal

(Image credit: Akvatoria Dolphinarium | Adler, Russia)

At the Akvatoria dolphinarium in Adler, Russia, Nafanya was placed under a monthlong quarantine, but after her quarantine is complete, she will be introduced to the other seals living in the dolphinarium.

Her Own Space

Nafanya the albino seal

(Image credit: Akvatoria Dolphinarium | Adler, Russia)

At the dolphinarium, Nafanya has her own special, brightly colored enclosure.

Webcam Star

Nafanya the albino seal

(Image credit: Akvatoria Dolphinarium | Adler, Russia)


 Dolphinarium personnel also created a website for Nafanya, which features a webcam that is live between 8 p.m. and 2 a.m. EST. You can view the webcam here.

Going for a Dip

Nafanya the albino seal

(Image credit: Akvatoria Dolphinarium | Adler, Russia)


The webcam documents Nafanya's day-to-day activities as she swims and plays in her enclosure.

Leisure Time

Nafanya the albino seal

(Image credit: Akvatoria Dolphinarium | Adler, Russia)

Above, Nafanya is photographed emerging from the pool in her enclosure.

A Unique Moniker

Nafanya the albino seal

(Image credit: Akvatoria Dolphinarium | Adler, Russia)


Her rescuers gave her the name Nafanya after a Soviet-era cartoon character with similarly colored fur.

Flipping Out

Nafanya the albino seal

(Image credit: Akvatoria Dolphinarium | Adler, Russia)


The above photo captured the adorable seal pup scratching her belly with her flipper.

Remy Melina
Remy Melina was a staff writer for Live Science from 2010 to 2012. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Communication from Hofstra University where she graduated with honors.