Riverhead Foundation Plans Seal Releases Friday, Tuesday

The Riverhead Foundation for Marine Research & Preservation will release a rehabilitated seal named Hawkeye into the wild Friday, July 24, at 7 p.m. near Ponquogue Bridge in Hampton Bays.

This male gray seal was rescued from Sagaponack in March due to being underweight and having a swollen flipper. Join Hawkeye to celebrate his recovery and the foundation’s release of another seal. Support of the Riverhead Foundation will help more of Long Island’s aquatic friends, like gray seals Wolverine and Ultron that may be released next week. Their release is tentatively planned for Tuesday, July 28, pending the approval of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

To meet Hawkeye at the release site tonight, cross the bridge heading toward Dune Road, make a left at the traffic light, and then another quick left to take the road to the end where the release will take place.

Click here more information or to volunteer at the seal release.

If you spot a seal, dolphin, whale or sea turtle that appears to be stranded or in distress, call the Riverhead Foundation’s 24-hour hotline at 631-369-9829.