Harbor Porpoise Release

For Immediate Release
First Announcement
Harbor Porpoise Release

Riverhead Foundation for Marine Research and Preservation & Atlantis Marine World to Release New York State’s 2nd Satellite Tagged Harbor Porpoise

Date: July 7, 2007
Contact: Kim Durham, Riverhead Foundation Rescue Program Director
631-369-9840
kdurham@riverheadfoundation.org

The Riverhead Foundation for Marine Research and Preservation announced today that release plans have been authorized by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to release “Orville” a young harbor porpoise on July 10, 2007. Kim Durham, Rescue Program Director for the Riverhead Foundation announced today that following four months of care at the Riverhead Foundation’s hospital facility located at the Atlantis Marine World Aquarium, “Orville” will be released with much celebration to the waters approximately 6-8 miles SE of Shinnecock Inlet.

“Orville”, a male harbor porpoise, approximately 1 year in age, was reported stranded on March 1, 2007 in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. Marine biologists from the Riverhead Foundation were called upon by the Virginia Aquarium Stranding Response Program to provide a long term rehabilitation facility for the ailing porpoise. “Orville” arrived at the Atlantis Marine World Aquarium on March 2nd and has been under the medical care of Drs. Richard Hanusch, Aquebogue Veterinary Hospital and Robert Pisciotta, North Fork Animal Hospital. This release marks the second time the Riverhead Foundation has successfully rehabilitated a harbor porpoise and will be the second satellite tagged harbor porpoise released into the waters of New York State. A journal on “Orville’s” rescue and recovery can be found by visiting the Riverhead Foundation’s website www.riverheadfoundation.org.

An itinerary of the release plans will be announced on Monday, July 9, 2007. Photo and film opportunities are available. Space limited tentative plans for release will be approximately 9:00 am.

Due to limitations, we ask that anyone wishing to bid "Orville" farewell meet at the east end of Dune Rd. At this location you'll be able to cheer on "Orville" and the release team as they head out of Shinnecock Inlet into his ocean home. Please contact the office at (631) 369-9840 on Monday, July 9th for details and directions.

Return to Media Center Home