Oregon Aquarium Seal Fully Recovers From Eye Surgery
Skinny, the 51-year-old harbor seal, has healed completely after his eye removal and a cold plasma wound-care treatment.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Pet Health
The Oregon Coast Aquarium announced on November 3, 2026, that Skinny, the world's oldest known living Pacific harbor seal, has fully recovered from eye-removal surgery. The veterinary team added a cold plasma treatment in August to help his wound heal.
Why it matters
The case shows how cold plasma can support wound healing without the long-term antibiotic use or repeated anesthesia that older animals may struggle with. For Oregon residents, the recovery highlights the work of the state's aquarium and its animal care standards.
Skinny was found stranded as a pup in 1975 on a Washington state beach and has lived at the aquarium since rescue. The cold plasma treatment was administered without additional anesthesia as a contact-free addition to his existing regimen.
The players
Oregon Coast Aquarium
A Newport, Oregon aquarium that opened in 1992 and houses about 15,000 animals across roughly 300 species.
Skinny
A 51-year-old Pacific harbor seal recognized as the world's oldest known living member of his species.
The details
In late April 2026, Skinny's eye lens became displaced and caused pressure inside the eye, requiring surgical removal. The wound reopened after appearing to heal, so the team added kINPen VET cold plasma treatment in August to promote healing.
Timeline
1975: Skinny is found stranded as a pup on a Washington state beach.
Late April 2026: Skinny's eye lens is displaced and his eye is surgically removed.
August 2026: Cold plasma treatment is added to Skinny's wound care.
Early October 2026: Skinny's wound is fully healed.
November 3, 2026: The Oregon Coast Aquarium announces Skinny's full recovery.
Roadmap
The kINPen VET device by neoplas VET is currently available in Europe and is expanding into the United States. Skinny's case marks an early application of the device in a marine mammal's wound care.
Oregon visitors can see Skinny and other animals at the Oregon Coast Aquarium in Newport. The recovery reflects the aquarium's ongoing veterinary care for its residents.
The takeaway
Cold plasma offers a contact-free option for wound care that may reduce reliance on long-term antibiotics. Pet owners and animal care teams can watch for emerging treatments that support healing with fewer repeated procedures.
Further reading
For more on animal wellness at home, see Pet Health.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Manila times.
