Tuesday, February 15, 2022
(Virginia Beach, VA) – An eight-month-old male harbor seal named Javier is now the newest mammal resident at the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center. On Thursday, February 10, Javier was safely transported from the Long Island Aquarium in Riverhead, New York to the Virginia Aquarium in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
Javier was moved to the Virginia Aquarium to provide more space for him to mature. As a young seal pup, he boasts curiosity and playful energy and is expected to adjust well to his new surroundings.
Following the Virginia Aquarium’s standard procedure, he is in quarantine, working with the Animal Care team as he acclimates to a new environment, new caregivers, and new behavioral training. “We are excited to welcome Javier to the Virginia Aquarium,” says Michele Sousa, Senior Mammal Curator. “Our team has begun basic behavior training and is working on building a mutual trusting relationship.” Once we achieve these milestones, Javier will join the Aquarium’s three harbor seals, Hector (17 years old), Rudder (7 years old), and Monty (1 year old), in the main outdoor exhibit.
“Our harbor seals are the first to greet guests as they arrive to the Aquarium; they are great ambassadors for the City of Virginia Beach, and they have a large influence on our mission to educate the public about marine life,” says Cynthia Whitbred-Spanoulis, CEO of the Virginia Aquarium. “We are honored to have Javier join us and look forward to the joy he will bring our community.”
Follow Javier’s journey on the Virginia Aquarium’s Facebook and Instagram channels.
The Virginia Aquarium extends a warm thanks to the Long Island Aquarium for their assistance in coordinating a smooth transportation for the seal.
Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center
The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums. The Aquarium is also a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The Virginia Aquarium's mission is to inspire conservation of the marine environment through education, research, and sustainable practices. It is located at 717 General Booth Boulevard, just south of Rudee Inlet in Virginia Beach. Visit www.VirginiaAquarium.com for more information.
The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, supports the work of the Virginia Aquarium. The Foundation procures and maintains the Aquarium's exhibits, including the animals and habitats. It is also responsible for annual and capital fundraising, administration, and funding for the Virginia Aquarium Stranding Response Program, conservation, and scientific research efforts, and the Aquarium's mission-related education programs. You can be a part of our mission by making a tax-deductible donation to support our programming.
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