subscribe

Labels: Baranov, New Balance Foundation Marine Mammal Center, Northern Fur Seal, transport

We are really happy to say that our three female Northern fur seals arrived safely at the New York Aquarium. All three went right into the water, have been eating well and been participating nicely in training sessions since then. Belinda, Rochelle and I stayed with they for a bit to help the seals acclimate to their new environment and trainers. So while I am happy to make this announcement to everyone in Boston, Cordova has been announcing their arrival to everyone in Brooklyn. Just listen to her:



Stay tuned for more updates.

-Erin

subscribe

Labels: Erin, New York Aquarium, Northern Fur Seal, transport, Video

Baranov on one of his favorite resting spots @ NEAq; a bridge that is about half as wide as he is

Baranov stayed with us in Boston for the past two months. We loved having him here, but like all good vacations, this one came to an end. Baranov's main training goal while he was here was kenneling, or going into his transport carrier on a signal. The day of the big move he kenneled without a hitch.

He was then transferred to a large air conditioned truck and surrounded by lots and lots of ice. We prefer our fur seals on the rocks, not shaken or stirred.

He remained comfortable during the two hour commute, but Cheryl and Patty who rode with him arrived in Connecticut with hands as cold as icicles. Once at the Mystic Aquarium and Institute for Exploration he gladly followed Erin, one of his trainers, down into the exhibit and was greeted by Zhivago, another male northern fur seal.

It was a really smooth move and we're happy that Baranov has settled in so nicely.

We'll miss him!

-Justin

subscribe

Labels: Baranov, Justin, Mystic Aquarium, Northern Fur Seal, transport

• Travel Papers. Similar to how we need passports to travel, we need to get government documents stating that the fur seals can travel from one aquarium to another.
  
  
• Insurance. Just like you (or your parents) carry medical insurance cards in case you have to see the doctor while you are gone, we have sent all of the fur seals' medical information to NYAq. That way the veterinary staff will know their history (like your doctor does) and can take the best possible care of them while they are there.

• Travel Books. Some people like to bring travel books so that they can learn about their destination. What to see, where to eat, and what historical sites to see. The fur seals will also be traveling with books, but these books are for the trainers at the NYAq. They will help the trainers learn about these specific fur seals--what they know, what they eat, what they have done in the past
  
  
• Transportation. How are you going to get there? When you are traveling, you want to get to your final destination as quickly as possible, but you also want to be practical. Lets face it, you are going to have some luggage. So if you are traveling nearby, you drive; if traveling far away, you fly. Same thing for fur seals. Since we are only going a few hours away, we will be driving down. But we will not be taking the family minivan - we have a truck. A big one. It's nice.
  


• Luggage. What do you need to make your trip enjoyable? Our girls are packing the following: ice, ice, ice, and...oh yeah...ice. They like to travel cold. Brrr! They are also packing a few things which will help the trainers know more about them.
  

• Travel Buddies. While you may travel by yourself, our fur seals do not. In addition to the three fur seals, there are seven people taking the trip. While each one has a specific role to play, everyone will be working to make sure the seals have a safe transport and a smooth transition to their new home.
  


• Security. No trip is complete without the security check. Cordova, you are good to go!
  

subscribe

Labels: Bill, Chainsaw, Cordova, Dr. Charlie, Erin, National Marine Fisheries Service, Northern Fur Seal, transport, Ursula

subscribe

Labels: Baranov, Chainsaw, Cordova, Erin, Marine Mammal Exhibit, Northern Fur Seal, transport, Ursula

At 3:30 a.m., Baranov casually followed his trainer Sarah into his transport carrier. The carrier is a 5' x 7' x 5' aluminum structure with rails spaced close enough to safely contain him, but far enough apart that he can observe his surroundings. Bags of ice were placed on top of the carrier to keep him comfortable and he was carefully lifted via forklift into a large truck. Once inside, the carrier was belted in to give Baranov a nice, steady ride. Accompanying Baranov were two of his familiar trainers and his veterinarian. Seals can stay out of water for days if they remain cool. The truck had a powerful air conditioning unit to ensure the comfort of everyone. Well, perhaps Baranov was more comfortable. The humans emerged shivering, but smiling after the two hour ride.

The carrier was lifted from the truck and positioned next to an open door of the exhibit. Sarah led Baranov from the carrier into his summer home. He was a little tentative at first, but once he realized water was close by, out he went.

Baranov following Sarah's target
then checking out his new home.

The females, Chainsaw, Cordova and Ursula backed away a bit as the 500 pound blob (always a term of endearment when referring to seals) entered the water.

















It took a short time for the girls to get nose to nose with Baranov. Sniffing and touching noses is the customary greeting among many species of seals. Since all four seals know each other from their time at MAIFE, the introduction was quick and easy.

Baranov was comfortable enough to eat within 15 minutes of entering the exhibit. Sarah stayed with us for four days to help with a smooth adjustment to his interim trainers. Baranov has indeed settled in as you can see below. It didn't take long for him to take his spot as king of the hill.

subscribe

Labels: Baranov, carrier, greeting, introduction, Jenny, transport