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The Riverhead Foundation was fortunate enough to house a special guest from SeaWorld Orlando.
“Sunny”, a juvenile harbor seal, was rescued on February 28th, 2004, on New Symrna Beach on the east coast of Florida where he was initially discovered by Volusia County lifeguards. SeaWorld’s rescue and rehabilitation team responded to this unusual stranding and transported Sunny to the park’s rehabilitation facility. Sunny underwent a complete physical examination conducted by the staff veterinarians. Sunny’s mouth and flippers were marked by abrasions; he was lethargic and emaciated weighing barely 40 lbs. Sunny was immediately placed on antibiotics and administered fluids to counteract dehydration. His condition was critical.
Sunny’s health was improving quickly under the care of SeaWorld’s veterinarians and animal care staff. After a long period of rehabilitation Sunny has been deemed fit for release by SeaWorld’s veterinary staff.
Harbor seals are not usually found in Florida, and the decision was made to transport Sunny to New York for release. He arrived at the Riverhead Foundation on Sunday morning and was released into the Shinnecock Bay the following day, November 1, 2004, with a satellite tag attached to its fur.
The following pictures are of Sunny and his release.
The recently received satellite data from Sunny indicated he left the Shinnecock Bay and is currently off of Rhode Island. The following are four maps showing his position:
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