Alaska SeaLife Center Admits Harbor Seal from Seward, Alaska
May 29, 2021

Seward, Alaska (Saturday, May 29, 2021)– The Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) admitted a newborn harbor seal pup to the Wildlife Response Program on May 27, 2021.

The male harbor seal pup was found on land near Tonsina Creek Trail in Seward, Alaska and appeared to be abandoned after birth. He was virtually nonresponsive, still had the placenta attached, and showed signs of having gone through a difficult birth. Our team hiked for over an hour after receiving National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration approval to locate the seal near a popular hiking trail. He was transported back to the Center with the help of a Miller’s Landing water taxi.

The main concerns of the veterinary team upon the initial admit exam are malnourishment, dehydration, and possible serious infection. The team is currently providing initial stabilizing treatments and examining the patient further to understand the severity of the animal’s condition. A full press release will be provided with updates on this seal after further monitoring and examination.

The Alaska SeaLife Center’s Wildlife Response Program can provide care for animals like this harbor seal because of donations from corporate sponsors and individual donors. People are encouraged to contribute to the care of this patient here: www.alaskasealife.org/donate. The Center acknowledges the ongoing generous support of companies like ConocoPhillips, Marathon Petroleum Corporation, SeaWorld Busch Gardens Conservation Fund, Borman Family Foundation, PetZoo, GCI, Partners4Wildlife, and Sea Otter Foundation & Trust.

About ASLC Opened in 1998, the Alaska SeaLife Center operates as a 501(c)(3), non-profit research institution and public aquarium in Seward, Alaska. The Center generates and shares scientific knowledge to promote understanding and stewardship of Alaska’s marine ecosystems. The ASLC is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. To learn more, visit www.alaskasealife.org. 

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