The Alaska SeaLife Center recently admitted two to the Wildlife Response Program. They include a young male harbor seal, which is the third admitted this year, and a male sea otter pup.
A captain of a local charter fishing boat in August reported the harbor seal pup after it climbed onto the boat’s deck near Hive Island in Resurrection Bay. Images showed a skinny, young male harbor sea pup and it appeared that the pup’s exhausted appearance and quiet behavior warranted immediate medical attention. The pup was transported to the Alaska SeaLife Center for treatment after receiving NOAA Approval.
After an initial examination, veterinary staff estimated the seal was around two months old and likely was separated from his mother or weaned prematurely, included concerns of malnourishment, dehydration, and lethargy, in addition to wounds on the seal’s flippers. According to a press release, recovering from starvation can be a slow process, and the team is currently providing additional stabilizing treatments and monitoring to understand the severity of the seal’s conditions.
A second rescue occurred earlier this month after a caller to the Stranded Marine Animal Hotline reported a pair of otters on a remote beach in the western Kenai Peninsula. A moribund female sea otter was barely moving or breathing with her juvenile pup vocalizing on top of her, she later passed away, according to observers.
The male pup, which was estimated to be around four months old, was found to be too young to survive on its own. Upon approval from U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the pup was admitted to the SeaLife Wildlife Response program for care.
The pup was examined and found to be underweight, but otherwise alert and strong. Over the next several days, the team will monitor for signs of illness or challenges keeping his coat in good condition.
NOTE: call 1-888-774-SEAL (7325) if you see any marine mammal in distress in Alaska.