After two days of sudden closure with little explanation, Buttonwood Park Zoo announced Thursday that Blue, its male Atlantic harbor seal, died early Wednesday. 

The death comes just over a month after zoo staff bade farewell to one of its two elephants, Ruth, after entering into what it described as “hospice care” at an extremely advanced age. 

Blue the seal’s death was unexpected. 

“Blue had been under veterinary observation and care since January 31st, when staff members noticed his decreased appetite and his frequent resting at the top of the pool in his habitat,” the zoo wrote in a statement.

See more at heraldnews.com.