Stryker predicts harsh winter

NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y.; Nov. 1, 2024 — For the fifth 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 FRIGID winter.

Stryker knows something about weather as he along with the Aquarium’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 four-for-four in his annual weather predictions, with Western New York experiencing a milder, cold winter in 2020, a frigid one in 2021 and 2022, and another mild, cold winter last year marked by above average temperatures and below average snowfall totals.

“As a conservation organization, the Aquarium is committed to fostering meaningful conversations within the community about our changing climate and its impact on wildlife,” said Chad Fifer, president & CEO, Aquarium of Niagara. “We hope this winter weather prediction event will inspire broader discussions about the science of our warming planet and underscore the importance of our personal choices in creating a more sustainable future.”

NOCO draws on more than 90 years of experience in energy services to deliver sustainable solutions that promote a healthier environment – an objective shared by both the company and the Aquarium.

“NOCO has been offering customers a variety of energy solutions to keep their homes warm for more than 90 winters and our partnership with the Aquarium of Niagara is part of our ongoing commitment to providing sustainable energy solutions for our customers,” said Michael A. Casciano, president & chief operating officer, NOCO. “Homeowners can also do their part in energy conservation too. Things like lowering your thermostat a couple of degrees, scheduling an annual furnace tune-up, or ensuring you have proper insulation around your home can make a difference in your energy usage this winter.”

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 for additional STEM and weather-related enrichment activities.

In addition, City of Niagara Falls Mayor Robert Restaino joined in the winter weather fun, presenting Stryker with a key to the city in honor of the seal’s fifth anniversary of predicting the winter in the Cataract City.

“Over the past few years, we have eagerly anticipated Stryker’s prediction of our winter, and this year is no exception. We look forward to this event every year and what it can teach us about our climate and how our choices impact the climate,” said Mayor Robert Restaino, City of Niagara Falls.

Today’s event is part of an ongoing partnership between NOCO and the Aquarium of Niagara aimed at illustrating how our actions directly affect aquatic life. In 2020, the company collaborated with the Aquarium to create “Dangerous Beauties,” an exhibit that raises awareness about the impacts of illegal wildlife trading and the importance of local conservation efforts. More recently, NOCO sponsored the Aquarium’s sea turtle exhibit, which features Squirt, a non-releasable Kemp’s ridley sea turtle. Like Stryker the harbor seal, Squirt suffered severe injuries after being struck by a boat and serves as an important ambassador for the importance of safely sharing our waterways with wildlife.