Press Release

Media Release

Contact: Robert DiGiovanni, Jr.

            Foundation Director/Senior Biologist

            Riverhead Foundation

            Phone: (631) 369-9840

            Fax: (631) 369-9826

            E-mail: rdigiovanni@riverheadfoundation.org

March 28, 2008

FOR IMMEDIATE “seal” RELEASE

Parade on down to Ponquogue Bridge

Enjoy the Hampton Bays St. Patrick’s Day Parade then parade on down to the Ponquogue Bridge to watch “Patrick”, a male harbor seal be released at 2:30 pm Saturday, March 29, 2008.  This is an excellent opportunity to expose children to the wildlife that is found right here on Long Island.  We encourage you to bring cameras, video cameras and posters to celebrate this joyous and heart warming occasion.  Please also consider bringing donations of bleach as a part of our monthly wish item program.  Please call the Riverhead Foundation’s office at (631) 369-9840 for more information or to schedule an interview with Foundation Director/Senior Biologist Robert DiGiovanni, Jr.

About “Patrick”:

“Patrick”, a male harbor seal , was rescued on January 26, 2008, from Shinnecock Park East. “Patrick” was rescued by the biologists from the Riverhead Foundation and brought back to the Riverhead Foundation’s animal hospital, located at Atlantis Marine World , due to respiratory issues, scratches and abrasions.  Look for “Patrick” shortly on our website,

www.riverheadfoundation.org, in the adoption program.

Directions:

The seal will be released under the Ponquogue Bridge in Hampton Bays.  Take Sunrise Highway to Old Montauk Highway in Hampton Bays (Make a left on to Old Montauk Highway). Go through the village until you get to the light by Tony’s Fusion Express  & make a right onto Ponquogue Ave.  Go straight until you come to a stop sign.  Make a left onto Shinnecock Rd.  At the second stop sign make a right onto Foster Avenue and head towards the Ponquogue Bridge.  Go over the bridge and make a left.  Then almost immediately make your very first left.  Follow this to the end, and you're there.     

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 rescued over 150 seals.  In addition, we currently have sixteen 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.