HERSHEY, Pa - Just in time for the holidays, Hersheypark welcomes three new marine mammals with special needs.
Harbor seals, Scooter and Satara in addition to Reese (a female California sea lion) recently lost their home at the Milwaukee County Zoo and were transported to Hersheypark this past weekend and are getting acclimated to their new environment.
Since 2009, Hersheypark has partnered with Ocean Connections to immerse guests in the world of marine animals, animal care, and environmental protection.
Learn more here.:
REESE
Reese is a spunky 8-year-old female California sea lion that was born to her mother, Geneva, and named for the classic Hershey candy, Reese’s. Reese has a naturally occurring birth defect in her throat that makes her esophagus one-quarter of the size it should be. She would not have survived in her natural habitat and our animal care team has worked tirelessly to ensure she is comfortably eating fish. This little lady ensures smiles in everyone she meets. Her boundless energy is sure to capture your heart.
SCOOTER
Scooter is a 27-year-old male Pacific harbor seal that got his name for the way he would scoot up onto his mother’s back as a pup to take a nap. He developed cataracts at an early age and although he is visually impaired, he continues to thrive. Our animal care team has modified his training to ensure his success and provide him with exceptional welfare. Scooter is a fan favorite in daily presentations and interactive experiences.
SATARA
Satara is a 29-year-old female Atlantic harbor seal and was among the first seals to call Ocean Connections Milwaukee home. Small but mighty, the beautiful seal has a larger-than-life personality. She is our medical marvel, surviving not only an initial bout of West Nile in 2020 but also a relapse in 2022. Not much is known about this disease in seals other than it tends to be fatal. Satara continues to not only beat all odds but is amazing her marine mammal veterinary specialists, as well as the human neurologists who are directing her care. You can’t help but cheer for this sweet and sassy seal!
