The Alaska SeaLife Center’s Wildlife Response Program is now caring for three harbor seals after admitting two abandoned pups in late May.
The newly rescued pups were found near Homer and Cordova, according to a release from the center on Tuesday.
On May 20, kayakers spotted an abandoned pup on mud flats near the Bradley Lake power plant. Rescue wasn’t possible because of location and the weather, the release says, until two days later when the pup was again spotted. The seal was recovered, with approval from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and brought to Homer by the second party.
In Homer, the pup was delivered to center staff, who transported the animal back to Seward. The pup has a white lanugo coat, indicating they are prematurely born.
The second abandoned pup was reported by commercial fisherman in the Copper River Delta to Cordova-based State Wildlife Troopers. The release says the pup was recovered by troopers with NOAA approval and flown to Anchorage the next day, where it was picked up by NOAA officials and delivered to center staff.
Both pups were found underweight and dehydrated, the release says. The premature pup also exhibited malnourishment and surface wounds. Delicate care is required for premature pups and both will be closely watched “to ensure the best possible chance of survival.”
The third pup receiving care at the center was admitted from Kenai on May 9. The center described the pup when it was admitted as being “in serious condition,” also premature like the pup found near Homer. An update from the center posted to Facebook on May 23 says that the pup has since shed its white coat, but is struggling with low blood sugar, “which can be life-threatening.” Tuesday’s release says that pup “remains under the care of wildlife response staff.”
For more information about the Alaska SeaLife Center and for continuing updates about the wildlife response patients, find “Alaska SeaLife Center” on Facebook.
Reach reporter Jake Dye at jacob.dye@peninsulaclarion.com.
A harbor seal pup rescued from near the Copper River Delta is treated by Wildlife Response Program staff at the Alaska SeaLife Center in Seward, Alaska. (Photo provided by Alaska SeaLife Center)
A harbor seal pup rescued from near Kachemak Bay is treated by Wildlife Response Program staff at the Alaska SeaLife Center in Seward, Alaska. (Photo provided by Alaska SeaLife Center)
