NEWSLETTER
Sixth year of Aquarium of Niagara’s unique winter weather outlook
Click here for photos and video of the prediction.
Niagara Falls, N.Y. (Nov. 7, 2025) — For the sixth year in a row, the Aquarium of Niagara delivered 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 a thing or two about thriving during Western New York winters. As a harbor seal, Stryker naturally adapts to dropping temperatures, growing a thick layer of blubber to keep himself cozy through even the most extreme weather conditions. In their native range, harbor seals can be found as far north as the Canadian Arctic, where winter temperatures can surpass 40 degrees below zero.
Stryker has gone five-for-five 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 in 2023, before the return of lower-than-average temperatures in 2024.
While the event is, on the surface, a fun way to prepare for the inevitably cold or frigid Western New York winter, Stryker’s annual prediction also provides a platform for the Aquarium to bring awareness to the changing climate as it impacts animals in their natural habitats.
“At the Aquarium of Niagara, we believe big conservation topics don’t have to feel overwhelming,” said Chad Fifer, President/CEO, Aquarium of Niagara. “By connecting important issues like climate change to fun, memorable moments like Stryker’s annual winter forecast, we help our guests see that everyone has the power to make a difference. Whether it’s reducing single-use plastics, supporting sustainable seafood, or simply learning more about the natural world, small actions add up to real impact.”
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 participated in additional STEM-related enrichment activities before touring the Aquarium.
In addition, City of Niagara Falls Mayor Robert Restaino joined in the winter weather fun, proclaiming the first Friday of November as “Stryker Predicts the Winter Day” in Niagara Falls.
After the prediction, the news media was invited to tour the Rescue Harbor construction site. The Aquarium is updating the forty-year-old outdoor seal habitat to ensure the ongoing comfort and safety of its seals, who are residing in the Aquarium’s central pool with the California sea lions for the duration of the project. Project priorities include:
- Adding an access ramp to facilitate animal transport in and out of the exhibit in a way that minimizes stress on the animals.
- Creating more “beach” space for the seals to haul out of the water to relax. This also provides more room for the animals to participate in training and husbandry activities.
- Replacing the natural shale in the exhibit with modern building materials to ensure the exhibit remains safe for years to come.
Construction is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
About the Aquarium of Niagara
The Aquarium of Niagara is a non-profit organization and public aquarium located in Niagara Falls, NY. As the only aquatic museum in the region, the Aquarium of Niagara serves the community as a nexus for explorative learning by celebrating natural wonders and inspiring people to make a difference for aquatic life. Its campus is comprised of two distinct buildings housing 180 different species, including several that were rescued and deemed unable to return to the wild. The Aquarium is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, Alliance for Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums, and the International Marine Mammal Trainer’s Association. For more information visit aquariumofniagara.org.
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