Researchers received three signals from J.J.’s satellite transmitters within 15 minutes of her release into the Pacific Ocean
at 10:17 a.m. PST.

Brent Stewart, Ph.D., senior biologist at Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute, reported the positive news from the boat
tracking J.J.’s progress. Although it’s too early to plot a definite course of J.J.’s movement, the signals do indicate that
J.J. is swimming and not staying at the release point, Stewart said. The satellite receivers can pick up the signal only
when J.J. breaches the surface, so the signals indicate she has come up for air several times.

Jim Antrim, general curator of SeaWorld San Diego, reported from the deck of the release boat, the U.S. Coast Guard
cutter Conifer, that the release operation was virtually flawless and even ahead of schedule. "We’ve done everything we
can for J.J. and now she’s on her own," Antrim said. "It was a bittersweet moment, but we’re happy she appears to be
doing well."

The National Marine Fisheries Service observed the release and will continue to monitor J.J.’s progress. NMFS now has
jurisdiction over J.J. as a free-ranging wild marine animal and will determine if she requires any further assistance in her
new life in the wild.

The Conifer and associated vessels involved in the release are expected to arrive at Naval Station San Diego by noon PST.