Sully Safely ‘Landed’ at SeaWorld

Posted by admin in Curacao News, News From The Resort, Seaquarium on October 4, 2010

Named after the famous airline pilot Captain “Sully” Sullenberger, Sully the pilot whale arrived to SeaWorld on Jan. 4, 2010 after being transported from the Curaçao Sea Aquarium, in a special transport unit aboard a chartered FedEx A300 Airbus cargo plane.  Sully, who weighed nearly 1,000 pounds and measured approximately 11 feet long upon arrival at SeaWorld, has been cared for in a behind-the-scenes animal care pool at SeaWorld since then.

Sully’s story is one of courage, tenacity and the will to overcome extreme odds.  The animal was found beached on Jan Tiel Bay in Curaçao in July of last year.  Rescuers from the Southern Caribbean Cetacean Network (SCCN) were called in to investigate.  Their initial assessment was that the pilot whale was suffering from severe starvation and dehydration and was not likely to survive.  In the days to come, they tube fed Sully with a special formula until he was able to eat whole fish.

Once Sully was nourished and energetic, rescuers made several attempts to re-introduce him back out into the ocean and to wild populations of pilot whales.  Each time rescuers took Sully out to sea, he followed the boat back, sometimes at speeds near 25 mph.

Sully continued to appear healthy and active, but each attempt to release him was unsuccessful.   Because he is young (estimated to be between one and three years old) and showed no signs of being willing or able to re-integrate into the wild, experts determined that the best place for Sully would be in a zoological facility with other pilot whales.  SeaWorld San Diego was deemed the best choice because it is one of the few places in the world to house pilot whales and has a team of experts who have cared for the species for more than two decades.

Extracted from www.seaworld.com

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Activities

Posted by Estela Villanueva in Activities on February 3, 2010

Meet the Concierge Team
Marcela and Dulce
Your concierge will take care of all the little details, handle restaurant and tour reservations for you, and provide all the information you need to have an unforgettable Curacao vacation.
We also recommend attending the weekly Orientation Meeting on your next vacation. Meet your neighbors, hear about what’s new and what is planned at the resort, and receive fantastic Curacao activity, dining and sightseeing tips to help you make the most of your stay.  Orientation held every Sunday at 9:30 a.m. in the Membership Office.

Dushi Happy Hour
On your next trip to The Royal Sea Aquarium, don’t miss the almost daily Dushi Happy Hour by the beach. Ask your Concierge for times.

Learn Papiamentu
You can now learn the island language at The Royal Sea Aquarium by taking our Monday Papiamentu classes. Sign up at the Front Desk and you will soon be chatting away with the locals.

A Week of Fun

You’ll enjoy the activities we have lined up for you and your family during your next stay. The Activity Program changes on a weekly basis and may include Papiamento lessons, bingo, domino’s turnament, aquarobics, pool volleyball, discounted priced tours to the Hato Caves, and Latin dance steps such as Salsa, Merengue and Bachata. If you are coming down with your children and would like us to schedule activities for them, send us an email request prior to travel. Don’t miss the boat trip and karaoke by the pool.

Take to the Waves
The resort now has its own fleet of kayaks for your enjoyment. Owners may sign out a kayak at no cost.  For non-owners a fee of $10 US per hour applies.

Discover the Underwater World
See Curacao’s reefs up close by taking a dive trip from “Curious 2 Dive” who has recently teamed up with Animal Encounters at the Curacao Sea Aquarium to offer PADI, WOSD and IAHD (a special dive certification for people with disabilities) dive courses.  Choose from trips to the island’s most famous reefs and shore diving to the nearby Sea Aquarium Reef.

For a once in a lifetime experience, you may also try the popular Animal Encounters and go snorkeling or diving with colorful tropical fish, dolphins, sea turtles and stingrays and even feed the sharks.   In keeping with the Curacao Sea Aquarium’s many children’s activities, the Animal Encounters Dive Center also offers dive classes for the very young and uses the Bubble maker to introduce them to the technique of underwater breathing.   Remember, as an owner at the Resort you also have free unlimited access to the Curaçao Sea Aquarium and Royal Sea Aquarium Resort owners receive a 10% discount when they book dolphin swims or encounters at the Aquarium.

Voyage to the Depths
Coming soon to Curacao, the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to board a submarine and submerge to a depth of 1,000 feet. This amazing journey will take you along the outer wall or drop off of the coral reef, home to myriad marine creatures, large and small.
The brand-new submarine is certified by Lloyds of London.

Curacao Dining News
The Royal Sea Aquarium guests can now take advantage of new complimentary shuttle service to the popular Il Forno Pizzeria, El Gaucho and Wine Seller restaurants.

Explore the West Coast of Curacao
Spend a day exploring the island and discover the sights of interest along the west coast of the island. Our new tour departs on Wednesdays, for more information ask your Concierge.

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