The Alaska SeaLife Center in Seward rescued two baby seals in Kasilof earlier this month, according to a press release from the center.
A passerby reported an abandoned female harbor seal pup on the beach that appeared to be in poor condition. When the SeaLife Center Wildlife Response team was preparing to rescue the female, the passerby also spotted a male seal pup on the beach in poor bodily condition.
The National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration approved the Wildlife Response team’s request to admit the seals, and they were taken to Seward on June 2.
According to the release, the veterinary team was concerned the female pup was suffering from malnourishment, dehydration and lethargy, and officials estimate she was less than 48 hours old by the time she got to the SeaLife Center. She still had her umbilical cord attached, and an x-ray exam showed the pup had ingested rocks on the beach.
The male seal also still had his umbilical cord attached when he was admitted, and was also suffering from malnourishment and dehydration, according to the release. The veterinary team continues to examine and treat the animals.
People who see marine animals in distress are encouraged to report them by calling 1-888-774-7325. Follow the SeaLife Center’s Facebook and Instagram pages for updates.
Reach reporter Camille Botello at camille.botello@peninsulaclarion.com.
A female harbor seal pup is admitted to the Alaska SeaLife Center in Seward, Alaska, on Thursday, June 2, 2022, after she was abandoned on a beach in Kasilof, Alaska. (Photo courtesy Kaiti Grant, Alaska SeaLife Center)
