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)

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)

Newborn seal pup transported to SeaLife Center in critical condition

The male harbor seal pup appeared to be abandoned at birth.

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)

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)

Previous
Public safety briefs for the week of May 31, 2021
Next
Capturing history

More in News

Jake Dye / Peninsula Clarion Kenai Peninsula Borough Mayor Peter Micciche speaks during a meeting of the Borough Assembly in Soldotna, Alaska, on Tuesday, May 21, 2024.
Assembly will ask state legislature for authority to enact caps on real property tax assessments

Mayor Peter Micciche said a 34% increase over three years has created “real financial hardships” for many in the borough.

Ryan Tunseth speaks during a meeting of the Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly in Soldotna, Alaska, on Tuesday, April 1, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Assembly accepts state funding for community assistance program

The funding will be disbursed to unincorporated communities in the Kenai Peninsula Borough for projects under the state Community Assistance Program.

tease
Soldotna artist awarded Rasmuson Foundation grant

Lester Nelson-Gacal will use the funds to create a handmade, illustrated book about his father’s final year.

State of Alaska Department of Law logo. Photo courtesy of the State of Alaska Department of Law
Kenai man sentenced for sexual abuse of minor, possession of child pornography

Joshua Aseltine was sentenced on Dec. 4 to serve 28 years in prison.

Alaska Department of Natural Resources logo (graphic)
State proposes changes to material sales regulations

The Department of Natural Resources is proposing changes to regulations related to material sales and conveyances to state agencies.

A map depicts the Cook Inlet Area state waters closed to retention of big skates through Dec. 31, 2025. Photo courtesy of the Alaska Department of Fish and Game
Cook Inlet area closed to big skate bycatch retention

The closure is effective in Cook Inlet Area state waters through Dec. 31.

A diagram presented by Seward City Manager Kat Sorenson during a Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly meeting on Dec. 2, 2025, shows the expected timeline for the Port of Seward Vessel Shore Power Implementation Project. Screenshot
Seward shore power project moves into preliminary design phase

The project will create jobs, reduce cruise ship emissions and provide a backup power grid.

The U.S. Forest Service Porcupine Campground offers gorgeous views of the Kenai Mountains and Turnagain Arm, as seen here on July 20, 2020, near Hope, Alaska. (Photo by Michael Armstrong/Homer News)
Department of Natural Resources seeks public input on proposed Kenai Peninsula State Forest

DNR is gathering community perspectives during several meetings this week.

David Ross is sworn in as Kenai Police Chief on Tuesday, May 31, 2016 at Kenai City Hall. The Alaska Association of Chiefs of Police named Ross the 2025 Police Chief of the Year, recognizing over two decades of service. Photo by Megan Pacer/Peninsula Clarion
Kenai police chief named 2025 Police Chief of the Year

The Alaska Association of Chiefs of Police recognized David Ross for his more than two decades of leadership.

Most Read