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The New York Marine Rescue Center released two of their rehabilitated seal pups at Tiana Beach in Southampton Town today.
This was the first public release in two years for the organization located at 467 East Main Street in Riverhead.
“We’re very excited about it,” said Nicole Valenti, New York Marine Rescue Center’s Education/Volunteer coordinator.
The first seal released was a female harbor seal named Joan Jett who was originally rescued on Jan. 25 due to injuries on her mouth and flippers. She was rescued from Georgica Beach in East Hampton.
The second seal released was a male grey seal named Billy Joel who had been with the rescue center for a little over a week after being found lethargic and dehydrated. He was rescued from Kismet on Fire Island.
But the two rockstar seals have recovered and were able to make their way back home.
“This is probably one of the most rewarding things,” Valenti said. “When you bring an animal into the hospital and you take care of them and get them back to health and then you get to release them back into their natural habitats — we’re really happy about it.”
Check out the video below from Joan Jett and Billy Joel’s release.
The New York Marine Rescue Center team at Tiana Beach after releasing their rehabilitated pups.
