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Feature Articles for August, 2003

New Jersey State Aquarium Celebrates The Birth Of A Harbor Seal Pup–First Ever Seal Pup Born at NJSA

After months of waiting and watching, The New Jersey State Aquarium is happy to announce the recent birth of a harbor seal. Both mother and baby are doing well since the arrival on June 27. This is the first seal born at the Aquarium since the exhibit opened.

Asia, the 12 year old mother, has been at the Aquarium since 1992. Regrettably, the father, Sirius, passed away last September. Sirius was the first marine mammal in captivity known to have died from the West Nile Virus. In honor of Sirius, who was named after the brightest star in the sky, the staff at the New Jersey State Aquarium have named the new seal pup Mira, another star.

The exact date of conception is not known. Harbor seals have a total gestation time of 9 to 12 months -- this includes a period of delayed implantation. After the egg is fertilized, it stops growing and remains free-floating within the uterus for up to three months. After this delay, it implants into the uterine wall and continues to develop. Delayed implantation helps to ensure that harbor seal pups are born at a time of the year which will be favorable to the survival of the pup.

Denise Aster, the Curator of Birds and Mammals at the Aquarium, has cared for Asia during her pregnancy and was elated after the delivery.

“We are relieved that she appears to be healthy and has already started to nurse,” says Aster. “She was worth the wait and will steal your heart when you see her adorable face.”

The New Jersey State Aquarium, located on the Delaware River Waterfront in Camden, is a regional, education attraction with marine life exhibits for visitors of all ages. Leading to a wave of development, the Aquarium is an anchor of the Delaware River Waterfront and is consistently one of the top four, most-visited cultural attractions in the Philadelphia region. For more information, please call 856.365-3300 or visit www.njaquarium.org.