University of New England

UNE's Marine Animal Rehabilitation Center releases five seals

BIDDEFORD - The University of New England Marine Animal Rehabilitation Center released five seals on May 11 and May 17, 2007 at Granite Point in Biddeford, Maine.

On May 11, the center released a harp seal and two grey seals:

The harp seal, named Tex (MARC 07-012 Pg), was rescued by the Cape Cod Stranding Network on March 7th at Chipman's Cove, Wellfleet, Mass. Following a five-day observation period by the Stranding Network, the seal was transported to UNE's Marine Science Center, which houses MARC. Tex was suffering from severe hydration, as well as chronic liver and kidney failure when he was found. The cause of the organ damage was treated to prevent permanent damage.

One grey seal male pup (MARC 07-013 Hg) had been stranded at IBSP, New Jersey and was rescued by the Marine Mammal Stranding Center in New Jersey. #13 was admitted to the Marine Mammal Stranding Center for a neck laceration.  He was mildly underweight upon arrival.  He was treated with antibiotics and transferred to MARC on March 30, 2007.  He  improved daily, ate well, and interacted well with his pool-mates.

A male grey seal pup (MARC 07-014Hg) had been stranded at IBSP, New Jersey and rescued by the Marine Mammal Stranding Center in New Jersey. #14 was admitted to the Marine Mammal Stranding Center for a swollen flipper.  He was placed on antibiotics and transferred to MARC on March 30, 2007, where he recovered.

On May 17, a harp seal and grey seal were released:

The female harp seal yearling (MARC 07-018Pg) was rescued by Marine Animal Lifelife. When she was admitted to MARC on April 8, 2007, #18 was slightly underweight and had minimal alopeia (hair-loss) around her eyes.  In the few weeks that she was at MARC, she started and nearly completed her molting (annual hair-replacement) and gained sufficient weight. 

A female grey seal yearling (MARC 07-019Hg) was stranded in Massachusetts and rescued by the Cape Cod Stranding Network. The seal was hanging out on the beaches in Cape Cod.  She had minor wounds on her body and face.  She was a very little, skinny seal when she arrived at MARC on April 12, 2007, but gained sufficient weight over several weeks.

(Press release posted May 9, 2007)