New York Aquarium Welcomes Harbor Seal Pup

Harbor seal born while #newyork Aquarium remains temporarily closed due to COVID-19

A harbor seal pup (Phoca vitulina) was born at the Wildlife Conservation Society’s (WCS) #newyork Aquarium while the facility remains temporarily closed to the public amid the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The new arrival—named Murphy—is a female pup born to mother, Coral, and father, Pickles. 

“The pup is doing well and getting used to her surroundings,” said #jonforrestdohlin, WCS Vice President and #newyork Aquarium Director. “The latest member of our harbor seal family is a reminder that life goes on at the aquarium regardless of the temporary closure. The essential staff caring for our animals every day should be commended for their hard work and unwavering commitment to the animals during these difficult times.”

Harbor seals are common along the east and west coasts of North America and frequently spotted in #newyork waters. They are a species protected in U.S. waters by the Marine Mammal Protection Act.

The new harbor seal pup is not the only addition to the Sea Cliffs habitat during the coronavirus pandemic; in April, #newyork Aquarium staff moved “Erie” a California sea lion pup born in October, to Sea Cliffs.  Harbor seals and sea lions are just two of the over 300 species exhibited at the #newyork Aquarium.

WCS's #newyork Aquarium

Is open every day of the year. It is Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) which manages the world’s largest network of urban wildlife parks including the Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, Prospect Park Zoo, Queens Zoo and #newyork Aquarium. It is located on 14 acres along the Atlantic Coast (602 Surf Ave., Coney Island, NY) and is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). Summer hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Fall/winter/spring hours are 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., daily. For directions, information on public events and programs, and other aquarium information, call 718-265-FISH or visit our web site at nyaquarium.com. Members of the media should contact mpulsinelli@wcs.org (718-220-5182) or mdixon@wcs.org (347-840-1242) for more information or with questions.