Stony Brook Students Help Release
First Seal of the Season
The Marine Mammal Rehabilitation students of Stony Brook University got a treat today as they helped prepare and release “Slimer” a female harbor seal at the Ponquogue Bridge in Hampton Bays. “Slimer” was picked up on January 5, 2008, at the Shinnecock County Park in Southampton, underweight and lethargic. Once well enough to eat on her own, she would mash her fish before eating it which would leave a fish slime mustache on her mouth. Hence the name.
To prepare “Slimer” for release she first needed to be outfitted with a satellite tag and a yellow plastic flipper tag. All animals released from the Riverhead Foundation are released with a flipper tag, which contains the animals identification number, but not all animals are released with satellite tracking tags which are costly and are usually supported through grant funds or Golden Adoptions. A Golden Adoption is $10,000 and covers the cost of a seal’s full rehabilitation and satellite tracking device.
The students assisted in the tagging and release of “Slimer” by collecting real time data, photo recording, video recording, holding release boards and sharing this important information with the public. “It’s important for the students to experience all aspects of marine mammal rehabilitation, including the release and research side of what we do,” stated Robert DiGiovanni, Jr, the class instructor and Foundation Director/Senior Biologist of the Riverhead Foundation. “Slimer’s” rehabilitation ended with a quick dash into Ponquogue Bay.
Call the Riverhead Foundation at (631) 369-9840 for photos or more information.
The Riverhead Foundation for Marine Research and Preservation is a 501 (c) (3) not for profit organization that operates the Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Rescue Program in New York State. Last year the Riverhead Foundation for Marine Research and Preservation responded to more than 200 marine mammals and sea turtles. In addition, we currently have thirteen seals and eight sea turtles in our hospital! You can sponsor a seal by calling 631-369-9840, and donating today. For information about the Riverhead Foundation, to adopt an animal or to become a member, please visit us on the web at www.riverheadfoundation.org, or call us at 631-369-9840.
