Blind baby seal finds home in Niagara Falls, needs name

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Aquarium of Niagara

The Aquarium of Niagara is preparing to name the harbor seal that was found beached in California.

Elizabeth Carey

Broadcast reporter- Buffalo Business First

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The Aquarium of Niagara has welcomed its newest member and now it's time to name the harbor seal that was found beached in California.

Right now, the blind seal is known as "Pup 2014." The seal was rescued on a beach in California when he was just days old. It's presumed he was abandoned by his mother because he is blind.

The pup arrived in Niagara Falls in September after traveling across the country via FedEx. He's now six months old and weighs more than 50 pounds.

Deputy Director Gary Siddall says the Aquarium of Niagara didn't waste any time getting him acclimated to his new home.

"When a new animal comes in to be a part of our family at the Aquarium the training starts right away," he told 7 Eyewitness News. "The first is getting the little pup to first focus his attention."

Then it comes time for a name. A naming process began in early October, with the public voting on social media sites like Facebook and Twitter and in person at the aquarium.

"We're tallying up votes from fans and will announce the name on Saturday," Siddall said. November 1st will officially be "Reveal the Seal" day at the Aquarium, featuring extra programs with the pup and public viewing opportunities as the winning name is announced.

The choices include Bart, Jax, Cruz or Moe. Which will fans choose for Pup 2014? Stay tuned.

Along with a new name, eventually, Pup 2014 will have some new tricks to share.

"He's going to learn to do different spirals and to wave hello to his adoring fans, all that great stuff," Siddall said.

The Aquarium is also sponsoring a "baby registry" for Pup 2014. If you'd like to donate for his daily care, go to http://gofundme.com/pup2014 for more details. As of this morning, $370 was raised.

Elizabeth Carey is Buffalo Business First's broadcast reporter