A harbor seal pup is making a big splash in Coney Island.
The pup, born in late-May at the Wildlife Conservation Society’s New York Aquarium, is only the second seal born at the aquarium in the past 15 years — and he is already showing his personality.
“He has already made an impression on visitors and staff,” said Jon Forrest Dohlin, the vice president of the Wildlife Conservation Society.
The seal, which has yet to be named, will live in the Sea Cliffs environment with penguins, sea otters, sea lions, walruses, and other harbor seals, and may help distract from the closed-off areas in the aquarium, which is still undergoing repairs from Hurricane Sandy and construction for its upcoming shark exhibit.
Dohlin said the pup is a delight to everyone who sees him at the aquarium as it continues its renovations.
“He is a delightful addition to the aquarium and a treat to everyone who comes through the facility while we work to recover from Hurricane Sandy and toward the opening of ‘Ocean Wonders: Sharks,’ ” said Dohlin.
The pup weighed 22 pounds at birth but is gaining almost a pound a day. As an adult, he could weigh a hefty 250 pounds.
