Atlantis Marine World harbor seal gives birth to female pup

It’s a girl!

Atlantis Marine World harbor seal Buoy gave birth to a female pup on Memorial Day. Weighing 22 pounds, Atlantis’ newest resident, has been named Calypso.

“The baby is healthy and we’re encouraged that mother and baby are adapting well,” said Ann Yaiullo, director of mammal training at Atlantis. “This should be a lot of fun for visitors to watch this summer.”

Harbor seal mating season occurs annually, generally in late spring through fall, according to an Atlantis press release. Total gestation is about nine to 11 months, which includes a period of delayed implantation when the fertilized egg stops growing and remain free-floating in the uterus for one-and-a-half to three months. The fertilized egg then implants on the uterine wall and continues to develop. Delayed implantation assures that the ensuing pup will be born when environmental conditions are optimal for its survival.

The average pup will double its birth weight to approximately 50 pounds by the time it is weaned. At maturity, females can top 200 lbs. and can live up to 30 years.