OUR ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO THE BOROUGH OF KINGS
COURIER LIFE, AUGUST 7-13, 2020 25
Flippin’
cute!
BY BEN VERDE
This seals the deal!
Coney Island welcomed its furriest
new resident on July 28, when Murphy
the harbor seal pup was born at the
New York Aquarium to parents Pickles
and Coral.
“The pup is doing well and getting
used to her surroundings,” said Jon
Forrest Dohlin, director of the aquarium.
“The latest member of our harbor
sea family is a reminder that life goes
on at the aquarium regardless of our
temporary closure.”
The harbor seal, a common species
often spotted along the East and West
coasts of North America, isn’t the only
aquatic Brooklynite the aquarium has
welcomed since its temporary closure.
The southern Brooklyn fi shtank also
welcomed Erie, a California sea lion
pup born in October, to the Sea Cliffs
habitat in April.
While zoos and botanical gardens
have been given the go-ahead to reopen
under New York’s fourth phase
of reopening, indoor attractions like
aquariums and museums have remained
shuttered due to the increased
risk of contracting coronavirus in enclosed
spaces. During its closure, the
essential staff at the aquarium have
continued to clock in every day to care
for its fi nned residents.
“The essential staff caring for our
animals every day should be commended
for their hard work and unwavering
commitment to the animals
during these diffi cult times,” Dohlin
said.
New York
Aquarium
welcomes
new harbor
seal pup to
Coney Island
AW: Murphy spends some quality time with mom, Coral. Julie Larsen Maher/WCS