The Alaska SeaLife Center in Seward admitted a newborn seal in critical condition on Thursday, according to a press release from the organization.

The male harbor seal pup appeared to be abandoned at birth when officials found him near Tonsina Creek Trail in Seward. The release stated that the pup showed signs of undergoing a difficult birth when the team found him after hiking for over an hour, as he was almost completely unresponsive and still had his mother’s placenta attached to him.

The SeaLife team is currently trying to stabilize the pup and treat him for malnourishment, dehydration and possible serious infection. As of Saturday, veterinarians were still trying to understand the severity of the animal’s condition.

The SeaLife Center plans to release an update on the newborn pup after the team has a chance to monitor and examine the pup further.

Reach reporter Camille Botello at camille.botello@peninsulaclarion.com.

A newborn harbor seal is found and transported to the Alaska SeaLife Center in Seward, Alaska, on Thursday, May 27, 2021. (Photo by the Alaska SeaLife Center)