Marine Animal Rehabilitation Center's release of harbor seal adopted by 7-year-old captures media's attention

The UNE Marine Animal Rehabilitation Center on Nov. 19, 2010 got assistance from seven-year-old Risa Sanders with the release of a harbor seal that she adopted in lieu of a birthday present. NECN, WCSH6, WMTW8, the Portland Press Herald and YorkWeekly covered the event. 

Risa first encountered the seal, Garland, during a tour of MARC. When it came time to celebrate her birthday a few weeks ago, she asked her parents if she could adopt the harbor seal.

Because of her generosity, the center decided to let Risa be a big part of Garland's release back to the ocean. She opened the cage and watched as Garland and another seal being released on the beach in Biddeford find their way out to sea. Watch the NECN video.