The Aquarium of Niagara is proud to introduce ‘Pup 2014’ to the local and international community. Harbor seal ‘Pup 2014’ was rescued off the coast of northern California when he was just days old, abandoned by his mother and unable to remain alone in the wild.
Harbor seal ‘Pup 2014’ will join the Aquarium’s collection of five other seals and sea lions, and will make his home in the Aquarium’s outdoor pool with Sandy, another harbor seal. The male Pacific harbor seal was born blind, making it impossible for him to be re-released back into the wild. The highly trained staff of trainers has been working night and day to transition the pup into his new pool and new routine. The Aquarium’s Deputy Director, Gary Siddall was part of the team that transported ‘Pup 2014’ safely back to Western New York. “It was a long journey from Oakland to Niagara Falls, but it could not have gone more smoothly,” said Gary. “He is adjusting nicely to his new home and new family.”
The young harbor seal pup was rescued by The Marine Mammal Center of Sausalito, California, an organization that has been rescuing and treating endangered mammals since 1975. Without their expert intervention, ‘Pup 2014’ may have sustained injury from other wildlife, fallen ill, or become malnourished. When TMMC found him, the pup still had his umbilical cord, and was struggling to find food. Now, at five months old, harbor seal ‘Pup 2014’ is healthy, strong, and learning how to receive daily meals from his trainers.
‘Pup 2014’ recently finished a period of quarantine required by New York State to ensure his health and well-being. Under 24-hour watch, the new pup began training immediately in order to learn how to eat the fish supplied by his trainers, take verbal cues, and play with his new toys. Among his favorites are a soft piece of neoprene he likes to wrestle with, water “noodles”, and a giant foam fish. Currently just over 50 pounds, harbor seal ‘Pup 2014’ is expected to grow swiftly to about 200 pounds in adulthood.
The Aquarium is hosting a naming contest for ‘Pup 2014’ that will take place both at the Aquarium, and via social media. After “liking” the Aquarium on Facebook or following on Twitter, participants may vote on one of four potential names for the pup. The most popular name will be announced the week of October 27th, and one naming contest participant will be chosen at random to become the official Aquaparent of ‘Pup 2014’ for an entire year. Saturday, November 1st will officially be “Reveal the Seal” day at the Aquarium, featuring extra programs with the pup and public viewing opportunities.
To celebrate the pup’s arrival, the Aquarium is also sponsoring a “baby registry” for ‘Pup 2014,’ so that the public may donate directly to his daily care. Please see http://gofundme.com/pup2014 for more details.
The addition of harbor seal ‘Pup 2014’ to the Aquarium’s collection furthers its mission of protecting and preserving ocean ecosystems and marine mammal life. As a not-for-profit institution focused on education and recreation, the Aquarium continues to strive for excellence in broadening public awareness of these issues.
For more information about harbor seal ‘Pup 2014’ or the naming contest, please contact:
Gay Molnar – Executive Director
OR
Lindsay Hyatt – Director of Development and Marketing
Aquarium of Niagara
701 Whirlpool Street
Niagara Falls, NY 14301
716-285-3575 ext. 204 OR 203
gmolnar@wzrd.com OR lhyatt@aquariumofniagara.org
Twitter: @aqniagara
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