Sitemap
Latest Media Releases
NEW SEAL FLIES INTO AQWA
3 June 2003
It could be a match made in heaven on Wednesday June 4, when AQWA - the Aquarium of Western Australia - welcomes its newest arrival: Sally, a female New Zealand Fur Seal.
Julius, AQWA's resident male New Zealand Fur Seal, has never had contact with a female of the same species and will probably be enamoured with Sally's introduction.
"Julius may be completely smitten by Sally and follow her around constantly," said Gloria Jackson, Head of Marine Mammals at AQWA.
"However, even though Sally is a lot smaller than Julius, she will be able to look after herself and ward off his advances," she said.
Romance is not the primary reason for the introduction of the new seal. Seals are naturally aggressive and form a 'dominance hierarchy'. When only two seals live together, as is the case currently at AQWA, that aggression is intensified. The introduction of Sally will help to diffuse the situation and will make AQWA's seals more relaxed and healthy.
Sally was bred at Coffs Harbour and she will be flying into Perth, thanks to sponsorship from Virgin Blue Freight. Sally is four years old and currently weighs about 35kgs.
Sally will be on display to the public at AQWA a couple of days after her arrival.
Photo Opportunities
Sally's arrival at Perth Domestic Airport, Wednesday June 4, 2155.
For any further information, please contact Chris Hardwick on (08) 9447 7500
