How Did This CUTE Baby Seal End Up Downtown? Connecticut Experts Search for Answers!
A helpless baby seal was found stranded in downtown New Haven, triggering a dramatic rescue mission to save the lost pup. đ #News #NewHavenCT #Connecticut #Lifestyle
NEW HAVEN, CT – A Stranded Pup, Miles from the Ocean! In a shocking discovery, a baby gray seal was found wandering the streets of downtown New Haven, Connecticutâfar from the ocean where he belongs. The young pup, spotted on Chapel Street on Sunday, appeared weak and disoriented, raising immediate concerns for his safety. Authorities quickly stepped in to assist, launching an urgent rescue operation to save the stranded marine mammal.
The New Haven Police Department shared a startling image of the misplaced seal sitting in the middle of the street, an unusual sight in the urban environment.
“Meet the newest addition to the department!” police joked in an adorable social media post accompanying the photo.
Rescue Efforts and Veterinary Care
With the help of local law enforcement and personnel from the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, the Mystic Aquariumâs Animal Rescue Program swiftly stepped in to transport the pup to their facility for medical evaluation and care.
“Mystic Aquarium is pleased to have rescued this misdirected young seal in need of help, and looks forward to hopefully returning the seal back to the ocean in the months ahead,” said Allison Tuttle, Mystic Aquarium’s Chief Zoological Officer, in an official statement.
“We are proud to provide marine mammal response, rescue, and rehabilitation for the state of Connecticut, and help marine animals in need.”
The Sealâs Condition and Treatment Plan
Veterinarians determined that the pup, estimated to be only a few weeks old, was alarmingly underweight. At just 28 pounds, he fell significantly below the average newborn weight of around 35 pounds.
Experts also found the seal to be lethargic and dehydrated, requiring immediate medical attention.
Since young seals nurse on high-fat milk for approximately three weeks after birth, caregivers are initially providing fluids to stabilize him before transitioning to a diluted fish formula designed to promote growth and strength.
Hope for a Safe Return to the Wild
The aquarium’s ultimate goal is to rehabilitate the pup and release him back into his natural habitat.
“The goal for this seal, along with every other rescued marine mammal and sea turtle patient, is to release the seal back to its ocean home once he is healthy and strong,” the aquarium stated.
Gray seals are federally protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act.
While this pup may be small now, adult males can grow up to 10 feet long and weigh as much as 880 pounds.
Rescuers remain optimistic that with the right care, this lost seal will make a full recovery and return to the wild where he belongs.
RELATED TOPICS: Animals | Connecticut | Lifestyle
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