SAN DIEGO (April 18, 1997) -- J.J.’s curious fans gaze in awe as the orphaned gray whale calf swims inches in front of them. Many gasp when they learn from Sea World of California education specialists that the three-month-old calf is gaining 30 pounds a day. J.J.’s Jan 11 rescue from Marina del Rey has inspired many to see and learn about this world-famous orphan. In response to public interest in J.J., Sea World’s award-winning education department has enhanced its programs to include California gray whale information and rare specimens for park guests, guided tour groups, Camp Sea World students and instructional field trip groups. While guests gather around J.J.’s 1.7-million-gallon pool or stand side-by-side along the 70-foot-long underwater viewing gallery, education specialists answer questions and provide daily updates on J.J.’s tremendous growth and progress. Sea World instructors, narrators and tour guides use teaching tools such as gray whale baleen, vertebrae, lice and barnacles. Custom-made gray whale puppets entertain and educate the park’s youngest guests. After three months of care at Sea World, J.J. the rescued gray whale calf is in good health and thriving. Having grown about 5 feet in length and gained nearly 2,500 pounds since her arrival, J.J. currently weighs approximately 4,170 pounds and measures about 18.5 feet in length.
"J.J. is providing unprecedented educational and research opportunities for the public and marine scientists," said Bill Davis, Sea World executive vice president and general manager. "Her rehabilitation at Sea World coincides with our company’s longstanding commitment to marine conservation and education." The preparation of J.J.’s formula and her daily feedings also have enhanced the educational experiences of Sea World guests. Guests can observe animal care specialists daily as they prepare gallons of heavy cream, fish and powdered milk formula. J.J. is fed three gallons of formula seven times daily.
J.J. Continues To Thrive
at Sea World - 3/11/97
J.J. Moves to Shamu
Backstage Viewing Area - 2/20/97
One Month at Sea
World Marks Weight Gain for J.J. - 2/11/97
Gray Whale Formula Preparation
on View - 1/29/97
Sea World Creates
Nursing Device - 1/27/97
Update - 1/20/97
at 3:00 p.m. EST
Gray Whale Gains Extra
Pounds and A Name - 1/20/97
Fifth Day Finds Gray
Whale Calf Continuing to Improve - 1/16/97
Newborn Gray Whale At
Sea World Continues To Show Improvement - 1/13/97
First Night at Sea World
- 1/12/97
More information about gray whales
More information about the Animal Rescue and
Rehabilitation Program
SeaWorld/Busch Gardens Animal Information Database
www.seaworld.org / www.buschgardens.org
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