Young seal found 25 Miles from ocean rehabilitated and released by UNE's Marine Animal Rehabilitation Center

A young, male harp seal - that was found in a suburban backyard in Middleborough, Mass., after traveling more than 25 miles from the ocean - was rehabilitated at UNE's Marine Animal Rehabilitation Center (MARC) and released at Granite Point, Biddeford, Maine on June 23, 2005.

Named "Squirt" by his rescuers because of his small size, the feisty little seal managed to swim up the Tauton River in Massachusetts and two tributaries before crossing a road and landing in someone's yard. He was rescued March 29, 2005 by the New England Aquarium in Boston.

When the seal was first brought to UNE's Marine Animal Rehabilitation Center, MARC Director Keith Matassa described the seal as stable, but not out of the woods. He was sick with parasites and had a bald spot on his fur, which could have been from stress or molting. The seal was treated for both conditions.

Healthy seals at the age that Squirt was rescued are normally 3 feet 8 inches in length and weigh between 50 and 70 pounds. Squirt was under 3 feet and weighed only 34 pounds. He was fed a rich fish diet that included herring.

Another new arrival from the New England Aquarium at UNE is an ambulance that the Aquarium donated to UNE's Marine Animal Rehabilitation Center. More information.

(Press release updated June 24, 2005)

   
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