J.J. the Orphaned Gray Whale Calf Moves To Shamu Backstage Viewing Area
SAN DIEGO (February 20, 1997) –
J.J. the orphaned gray whale calf recuperating at Sea World of California is now in the 1.7- million-gallon Shamu Backstage pool.
J.J. is gaining weight at the rate of 1.5 pounds an hour and has grown nearly two feet since arriving at Sea World in near comatose condition January 11. She quickly outgrew her pool in the animal medical complex.
Sea World received authorization from the U.S. Government's National Marine Fisheries Service, the agency responsible for administering the California Marine Mammal Stranding Network, to move the calf into Shamu Backstage. Today, J.J. is swimming in her huge new pool, and is visible to Sea World guests through a 70-foot acrylic viewing panel.
This is the first opportunity scientists, educators and the public have had to closely examine and study a California gray whale calf.
1997 Sea World, Inc.
All Rights Reserved.