Kenai Aviation has played a vital role in the recent rescue and transport of two critically ill harbor seal pups admitted to the Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC), helping ensure fast, lifesaving care during a critical time.
On June 10, a male harbor seal pup was admitted from the remote community of Pilot Point. From there, another carrier brought it into King Salmon, barely missing the Alaska Airlines flight to Anchorage. The pup arrived in increasingly fragile condition the next day.
“We heard the pup was coming in, and we called and asked how we could help,” said Joel Caldwell, owner of Kenai Aviation.
They met the jet as soon as it landed, where a veterinarian was waiting on the ramp to administer IV fluids to the pup.
After putting it in a kennel and onto the plane, Caldwell and his wife personally flew the pup to Seward. Upon arrival, the SeaLife Center met them at the airport and escorted them to the facility, where they were present during the pup’s examination.
Sadly, despite these efforts, the male pup succumbed to a severe internal infection after intensive treatment. The SeaLife Center extended its gratitude to Kenai Aviation for giving the vulnerable pup the best chance of survival.
Kenai Aviation continued its support the very next day. At midnight, a second harbor seal pup arrived from Sitka and was stabilized overnight by a veterinarian.
The next morning, Kenai Aviation flew the female pup to Seward on a scheduled flight.
She remains in critical condition under close observation and intensive care.
Caldwell said that over the years since the Sealife Center began operating, its biggest logistical challenge has been getting the animals from Anchorage to Seward in 30 minutes safely.
“We have a deep love for all the communities here, but this has been an added bonus to be able to partner with the SeaLife Center,” Caldwell emphasized that their partnership with the Center is deeply meaningful.
“It’s a place that we’ve gone since around the time that it first opened. As a family, we’ve always loved the Sea Life Center. Anytime we go to Seward, we’ve always gone.” Said Caldwell.
Kenai Aviation intends to continue donating flight services to help with future rescues. “We’re expecting a very long-term relationship,” Caldwell said.
“This is the time of year when the seals are dropping their pups. I talked to the SeaLife Center a couple of days ago, and they said to expect possibly a couple more seals and a couple of sea otters.” Said Caldwell.
These two pups are part of a larger statewide effort, which has seen five harbor seal pups admitted over twelve days. Other rescues include pups from Nikiski, Homer, and Egegik, all requiring intensive veterinary care.
The Alaska SeaLife Center reminds the public to avoid disturbing seal pups and to report any sightings of stranded marine animals by calling 1-888-774-SEAL.
For more information, visit alaskasealife.org.