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Central Park Zoo News
New Friends in Lucky Seven’s Cards
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 See Seven belly-waddle, play ball, and give kisses to Herbie!
©WCS/photo by J.Maher; video by L.Groskin
| Life was not always so easy for the blubbery beauty with the blond coat and captivating eyes. In September 2006, at just three months of age, the harbor seal pup was discovered stranded, emaciated, and near dead on a Maine beach. Luckily, the local group Marine Animal Lifeline (MAL) came to her rescue and nursed her back to health. But as they prepared to return her to her ocean home, her caretakers discovered that the pup’s hind flipper had limited mobility. The MAL veterinarians knew that her chances for survival in the wild were not good. Instead, the seal was offered a safe haven at the Central Park Zoo.
At the Zoo’s seal pool, lucky “Seven” joins two friendly companions—Herbie, another young orphan rescued last year, and Nicky, a 17-year-old zoo veteran. The seals’ Fifth Avenue digs give a wide-eyed pup plenty to ogle, and Seven is thriving in her new home. Today she tips the scale at a healthy 70 pounds, according to her proud keepers.
By providing sanctuaries for rescued wild animals like Herbie and Seven, the Wildlife Conservation Society’s zoos and aquarium offer them a second chance. In turn, they have taught all who know them how we can become better stewards of their kin in the wild.
Join the Seals for a Meal
Each day, the three harbor seals take place in feeding and training sessions at approximately 11:45, 2:15, and 4:15. Keepers work with the animals to “station” (stay), “target,” (focus), and present their flippers, which is useful for veterinary examinations. Nicky, Herbie, and Seven enjoy both their daily lessons and the fish that follow!
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