The Alaska SeaLife Center’s Wildlife Response Program now has nine harbor seal pups in its care, the group announced Wednesday. Over a nine-day period earlier this month, five harbor seal pups were rescued, joining four who were previously announced as having been rescued in a span of seven days in May.
Of the newly announced rescued pups, four were recovered from the Kenai Peninsula.
Each of the rescued seals were found to be dehydrated, underweight and with umbilical cords still attached — indicating that they were abandoned or separated from their parents shortly after birth, according to a news release from the center. Harbor seal pups cannot survive without their mothers, so the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration approved each of the five rescues.
Three of the seals were rescued in three days. A male came from Pilot Point on June 2, a female came from Homer on June 3, and a male came from Kenai on June 4. The remaining two pups were recovered days later, a male from Homer on June 8 and a female from Nikiski on June 10.
The release says that stabilizing treatments are being administered by center staff, and the pups will be closely monitored “to further understand the severity of their conditions.”
To report an injured or stranded marine animal in Alaska, call the 24-hour Stranded Marine Animal Hotline at 1-888-744-7325.
For more information about the Alaska SeaLife Center and for continuing updates about the wildlife response patients, visit facebook.com/AlaskaSeaLifeCenter.
Reach reporter Jake Dye at jacob.dye@peninsulaclarion.com.
A harbor seal pup looks into the camera at the Alaska SeaLife Center in Seward, Alaska, on Sunday, June 4, 2023. (Photo courtesy Peter Sculli/Alaska SeaLife Center)
A harbor seal pup is treated by staff at the Alaska SeaLife Center in Seward, Alaska, on Thursday, June 8, 2023. (Photo courtesy Peter Sculli/Alaska SeaLife Center)
