[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 39 (Tuesday, March 31, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E528]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E528]]
                          BEST WISHES TO J.J.!

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BOB FILNER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 31, 1998

  Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to offer my best wishes to a 
very well-loved member of the San Diego Community: J.J. the Gray Whale.
  When J.J. was stranded on a beach more than a year ago, she was not 
expected to survive her journey to Sea World, San Diego. But survive 
she did. She was a mere 1,670 pounds and 13 feet, 10 inches long when 
she was saved. She has grown more than 10-fold--to 18,200 pounds, about 
the weight of six Buick Skylarks, and is 30 feet long.
  Today, J.J. is scheduled to be released back to the Pacific Ocean to 
join other gray whales migrating north from Baja California to Alaska. 
Her recovery has been monitored by children around the country and I 
join them in wishing J.J. a successful transition back to the ocean and 
a safe journey.
  J.J. was named after Judy Jones, who died after a life dedicated to 
rescuing sea lions. Scores of veterinarians, animal-care specialists, 
research scientists and animal trainers showed similar dedication in 
saving J.J. and preparing her for release. Over the past year, they 
have nursed her from a malnourished and dehydrated near-death state, 
taught her to eat from the bottom of her pool--similar to the way 
whales eat from the ocean bottom--and taught her to vocalize and 
recognize other gray whale sounds.
  Her rescue and upcoming release are historic--it marks the first time 
that an orphaned gray whale has been raised by humans and released back 
into the wild. The Coast Guard, U.S. Navy, San Diego Police and Hubbs-
Sea World Research Institute are handling the daunting logistics of her 
release.
  J.J.'s life thus far has provided a wealth of scientific discoveries 
about gray whales. Her release provides a chance for her to live with 
other gray whales. I ask you to join me and the literally thousands of 
people cheering for J.J. in extending our thoughts and good wishes for 
her successful journey back to the wild.

                          ____________________