Rescue & Rehab Journal

May 20, 2014

April, 20th 2015

A young harbor seal pup was observed in Softuk Bay, trying to climb onto a fishing vessel at 3:00 this morning. After monitoring the pup throughout the day, it was clear that the pup was abandoned. Alaska SeaLife Center arranged to have the pup transported to Seward the next day.

May 21, 2014

April, 20th 2015

A big thank you to the Alaska State Troopers in Cordova for providing the pup's transportation from Softuk Bay to the airport in Cordova! The young seal arrived safely to the Alaska SeaLife Center in Seward today. A veterinary assessment shows that the male pup is dehydrated, but otherwise seems healthy. He is less than one week old. 

June 8, 2014

April, 20th 2015

In the past few days the seal pup had a blood draw to check for infections, and has started to transition to a fish based formula to prepare his stomach for when he begins eating fish.

June 23, 2014

April, 20th 2015

The seal pup is eating fish! Over the past few days his interest has steadily increased, and today he ate everything offered. Staff will transition him onto an all herring diet over the next day or so.

 

July 4, 2014

April, 20th 2015

Happy 4th of July!! The pup recently was given the name Vesuvius. Vesuvius is celebrating the holiday with lots of ice on the deck of his new, larger pool! He moved in a few days ago and is doing great!

July 16, 2014

April, 20th 2015

A lot has happened over the last couple of weeks! Vesuvius had a blood draw to ensure that he is completely healthy, was given a flipper tag in preparation for his release, and moved to a larger pool with Machu Picchu, where staff plan to have Everest and Tigris join them soon! His flipper tag is in his Left rear flipper because he is a male, and is #ASLC 130. 

August 2, 2014

April, 20th 2015

Happy Rehab Race Day!! Today runners in Seward and around the country helped raise money to help the ASLC care for and release animals just like Vesuvius, so thank you!

August 28, 2014

April, 20th 2015

Vesuvius reached release weight this week! He now weighs 26.7kg, and the goal release weight is 25 kg, so staff will begin to plan for his release next month!

September 4, 2014

April, 20th 2015

Vesuvius had a blood draw today in anticipation of his release on Saturday, 2 days away! Vets will do a final health examination, and then once the bloodwork is run, he will have the all clear to return to the wild with Tigris and Stonehenge!

September 6, 2014

April, 20th 2015

It was an absolutely beautiful day today in Cordova, and Vesuvius was eager to get in the water. As soon as his kennel door was open he was gone, though Stonehenge beat him to the water! Good luck in the wild Vesuvius!!

SUPPORT
RESCUE & REHAB



How You Can Help
The Alaska SeaLife Center is a non-profit institution that relies on your support to maintain its important ongoing scientific exploration. There are many ways to get involved. Please click on the links above to find an option that is ideal for you. Your donations, sponsorship, membership and other contributions are greatly appreciated, and thank you for Supporting the Science!