Aquarium of Niagara: Stryker the harbor seal predicts cold winter in WNY

Fourth year of Aquarium of Niagara and NOCO’s unique winter weather outlook

For the fourth year in a row, the Aquarium of Niagara teamed up with local full-service energy company NOCO to deliver this year’s winter weather outlook with a unique weather prognosticator, Stryker the harbor seal. According to Stryker’s prediction today, Western New Yorkers can expect a cold winter.

Stryker knows something about weather because he and the Aquarium of Niagara’s other rescued seals spend winters in their comfortable outdoor habitat where they naturally adapt to all kinds of extreme weather conditions. He has also gone three-for-three in his annual weather predictions, with Western New York experiencing a milder, cold winter in 2020 and a frigid one the past two years.

Pictured, from left, Pierre Aubertin, director, sales and energy solutions, NOCO; City of Niagara Falls Mayor Robert Restaino; and Aquarium of Niagara President and CEO Gary Siddall. (Images courtesy of the Aquarium of Niagara)

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"We are seeing changes in our climate, and that's why the Aquarium has made a purposeful shift in the way we are engaging our community on this important topic,” said Gary Siddall, president and CEO of the Aquarium of Niagara. “In addition to this annual event, we've devoted an entire section of our public gallery to animals and ecosystems that are most impacted by rising temperatures in our oceans. We hope that guests will develop a better understanding of how our choices impact animals in their natural environment and commit to taking action to make a difference.”

NOCO is building on its 90 years of providing energy services with sustainable energy solutions for a healthier environment, a mission both the company and the Aquarium of Niagara are closely aligned with.

“Like Stryker and his fellow harbor seals, NOCO also understands Western New York winters; we’ve been providing a variety of energy offerings, including home heating, to our customers for the past 90 winters,” said Pierre Aubertin, director, sales and energy solutions, NOCO. “It’s important to make sure you are prepared regardless of what weather may strike, whether that’s looking to more sustainable solutions for heating your home or taking steps to ensure your current system is running efficiently.”

Third graders from Harry F. Abate Elementary School – Niagara Falls City School District also cheered Stryker on as he made this year’s prediction. The students then went inside the Aquarium of Niagara for additional STEM and weather-related enrichment activities.

In addition, City of Niagara Falls Mayor Robert Restaino joined in the winter weather fun, again declaring it “Stryker Predicts Winter Day” in the Cataract City.

“Having the ‘Stryker Predicts the Winter’ event is a fun event for children of all ages, but it is also a great opportunity for all of us to think about how the choices we make will impact climate change, can also effect animals, like Stryker, in their natural habitat,” he said.

The Aquarium of Niagara is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization home to more than 120 different species, including eight rescued and nonreleasable marine mammals. The venue is open daily at 9 a.m. year-round, except for Christmas and Thanksgiving. For more information, visit aquariumofniagara.org.

NOCO is a leading full-service energy company based in Tonawanda. To learn more, visit noco.com.