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Linus and Coney released!
On Saturday, September 10, 2005, Linus was released back to the wild! Linus was released together with another young harbor seal, Coney, that was rescued from Coney Island a few weeks after Linus' rescue.
The release took place at Smith Point County Park as part of the Long Island Beach Festival organized by The Nature Conservancy and the Suffolk County Parks. The event was very succesful and drew in thousands of people.
Both seals were equipped with satellite tags that were glued to their fur. The tags are supposed to provide post release movement data, which is a part of the Riverhead Foundation's research. Both seals are on the adoption program. To adopt Linus or Coney please visit the Riverhead Foundation online gift and adoption center.
Below are some pictures from the release as well as maps showing the most recent location of Linus and Coney.
Linus and Coney in their transport cages awaiting the release.
Linus on the beach heading towards the water.
Linus was brought back to the Riverhead Foundation for re assesment, and released back to the wild on November 17, 2005. The latest signals from his tag indicate he is in Shinnecock Bay.
Linus' and Coney's latest positions:
Linus, as of September 20, 2005
Coney as of October 11, 2005
* It appears that this was the last hit we received from Coney's tag, we will let you know if we happen to get another signal!*
LINUS' STORY
On Saturday, May 28, 2005 at 1:30 pm lifeguards at the Smith Point County Park Beach alerted biologists working with the Riverhead Foundation for Marine Research and Preservation to a 2-½ ft harbor seal pup struggling in the surf. Shortly thereafter, the pup came onto the beach where lifeguards then stood watch to ensure the pup’s safety from throngs of beach-goers. The 20 lb pup with its umbilical cord still attached was determined to be 7-10 days of age. Faced with the likelihood that the large numbers of beach visitors would prohibit the successful reunion of the pup with its mother biologists were forced to remove the pup and transport it to the Foundation’s marine mammal hospital located at the Atlantis Marine World Aquarium.
A Smith Point County Park lifeguard standing watch.
Harbor seal pup on beach.
Biologist Allison Chaillet responded to the harbor seal pup. Once arriving on scene, photos were taken for documentation purposes. Allison then briefed the surrounding onlookers and rescued the pup using leather gloves and a towel. The pup was placed in a cage for his transport back to the Foundation.
Biologist Allison Chaillet rescuing pup.
Biologist Allison Chaillet placing pup into cage for transport.
Once at the Foundation, the pup was given a thorough physical examination including a blood sample. This is a common procedure done on every animal that enters our facility, however we had to modify some aspects of our physical because the animal is so young. It was found that the pup’s teeth were just beginning to cut through the gum line, so we had to be very careful not to irritate his mouth. During the physical exam the pup was given fluids to rehydrate him using a stomach tube. After his physical exam, the pup was placed in quarantine in our treatment room for further monitoring.
Biologists Allison Chaillet and Amber Sabrosky tubing pup during physical.
Pup in cage after physical nursing towel.
*** VIEW PUP'S VIDEO - CLICK HERE ***
Linus, our harbor seal pup, has made a wonderful transition. He is now eating on his own! Linus began eating on his own on June 23. He is now eating about 2 pounds every day. This is less than our other seals get fed because the they are all much bigger than him. He has also been moved to a bigger tank. Previously, Linus was quarantined to his cage and swim tub, but now he is in a larger tank just like the rest of our seals. He enjoys his bigger tank and spends time swimming and playing with his enrichment devices.
The Riverhead Foundation looks forward to moving Linus to an even larger display tank! On Friday, July 1, 2005, we will move Linus into our display tank which can be viewed by patrons of Atlantis Marine World. Come on down and see how Linus is doing!
Linus looking at a fish thrown into his new, bigger tank.
Linus swimming in his new tank.
On June 30, 2005 Linus was moved to our diplay tank, which gives him lots of room to play. He has grown quickly since his arrival. Currently he is eating .75lbs of herring 5 times a day! At night we try to socialize him with another pup just recently rescued from Coney Island. Unfortunately they don't seem to be getting along these days. They steal each other's fish and stay at opposite sides of the tank. Looks like we may have spoiled them a little bit!
July 29, 2005
Linus currently eats 5 lbs of small herring a day and keeps gaining weight. He can be viewed by the visitors of the Atlantis Marine World Aquarium in the Riverhead Foundation's rescue center area.
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