Female Harbor Seal Born at Atlantis Marine World
IT’S A GIRL!
Female Harbor Seal Born at Atlantis Marine World Aquarium.
On Saturday, June 16 at 6:30pm, Buoy, Atlantis Marine World’s ( http://www.atlantismarineworld.com ) fifteen-year-old harbor seal, gave birth to a healthy baby girl, weighing 19 lbs.
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Director of Mammal Training, Ann Yaiullo, is very excited about the Aquarium’s new addition. “Mother and daughter are doing well together. This should be a lot of fun for visitors to watch this summer.â€
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Mating season occurs annually, generally in late spring through fall. Total gestation is about 9 to 11 months, which includes a period of delayed implantation when the fertilized egg stops growing and remains free-floating in the uterus for one-and-a-half to three months. The fertilized egg then implants on the uterine wall and continues to develop. Delayed implantation assures that the ensuing pup will be born when environmental conditions are optimal for its survival.
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Pups are well-developed at birth. Their eyes are open and they follow their mothers, learning to swim right away. Seal pups undergo a nursing period of about four weeks. The average pup will double its birth weight to approximately 50 pounds by the time it is weaned. At maturity, females can top 200 lbs. and can live up to 30 years.
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Photo opportunity and interview available all day on Tuesday, June 26, beginning at 11:00am.
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Atlantis Marine World, Long Island’s own full-scale Aquarium, is located in downtown Riverhead on 3.2 acres along the scenic Peconic River. By capturing our visitors’ imaginations and emphasizing the importance of marine life and environmental conservation and preservation, Atlantis Marine World’s mission is to provide visitors with an interactive and exciting educational experience. Atlantis Marine World is also the home of The Riverhead Foundation for Marine Research and Preservation, New York’s only authorized marine mammal and sea turtle rescue and rehabilitation center.Â
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Media Contacts:
Johanna Zucaro,
Atlantis Marine World
Phone: 631.208.9200, ext. 220
