RSS 2.0 FeedSeptember 29, 2011, Merrick Life
Wally returns home to the ocean
Check out what the Riverhead Foundation efforts.
WALLY’S WORLD: Wally takes his first tentative steps back toward the ocean – with a tracking device attached. Photo by Linda Delmonico Prussen
By 5 p.m. on a Monday last month a large crowd of onlookers had gathered at the base of the Ponquogue Bridge in Hampton Bays awaiting the arrival of Wally, a one-year-old seal pup, scheduled to be released back into the ocean.
According to the Riverhead Foundation for Marine Research and Preservation, the response team for the rescue of state sea mammals, Wally was found on April 24 with a broken jaw and missing teeth. He was not very responsive, and had abrasions on his body and labored breathing.
Under the guidance of Julika Wocial, 36, marine biologist and the foundation’s rescue program supervisor for the past 10 years, Wally was lovingly nursed back to health. Ms. Wocial, from Hampton Bays, said the foundation is housed at the Long Island Aquarium, formerly Atlantis Marine World Aquarium, but is not part of the aquarium. The foundation is not-for-profit and relies heavily on donations and volunteers, she added.
Volunteer Cin Nedvin, 67, of Hampton Bays, said Wally was her seventh or eighth release in the last two months. “I volunteer because I have a deep love for nature and animals, and a deep love for the water.”
She said volunteering and seeing the fruits of her labor in events such as last month’s release are heartwarming and fulfilling. It is something she has been able to share with her family too. Ms. Nedvin said her 10-year-old grandson recently attended a release.
Freeport seal-watching cruises
For those who want to get involved there is a volunteer program, a hands-on way to support the foundation’s efforts and as a member program to help financially support the endeavors. For $35 you may also “adopt” a sea friend in need. The foundation has also hosted seal watch cruises on boats out of Freeport. For upcoming events such as releases and seal watch cruises visit the website at www.riverheadfoundation.org.
If you should come upon a sick or injured sea mammal, or sea turtle in state waters, call the foundation’s hotline at 631-369-9829. Do not attempt to touch or feed the animal and keep other people and dogs at least 150 feet away.
