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Recent Seal Releases
Harp Seal Release Spotlights Successful Collaboration Between Mystic Aquarium & The Westerly Hospital Medical and Rehab Specialists
On July 31, 2008, a young male harp seal was released at Blue Shutters beach in Charlestown, RI. The harp seal was rescued in April on a beach in Niantic, CT. Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration's Seal Rescue had to work fast. The seal was suffering from pneumonia, severe dehydration and a gastric impaction due to hundreds of rocks in its stomach. Due to the severity of the lung congestion, surgery to remove the rocks could not be immediately performed, but the rocks had to be removed. With the help of The Westerly Hospital's gastroenterology team, two endoscopic procedures were performed and one-third of the rocks were removed. Once the seal's pneumonia improved, the remaining rocks were removed through surgery performed by the Aquarium's veterinary team. Dr. Tracy Romano, Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Explorations Senior Vice President of Research and Zoological Operations, said that "this seal's recovery story really highlights the best of what we do, including our long standing cooperation with local communities and area professionals". The harp seal recovered without complication and was released with a satellite transmitter to monitor his post-release movements.
Upcoming Seal Releases
Please note that the seal release planned for August 15th, 2008 at Blue Shutters Beach has been postponed.
If you had planned to come with us to the beach to see this release, we apologize for any inconvenience this has caused. Check back for updated information regarding when this release will be rescheduled.
Please help us to continue our mission of animal conservation by making a donation to our Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Rescue Program. Donate now.
*Please check back to this webpage for updates.
We ask our members and friends to remember that marine animal releases dates and times can change at the last minute given the variables of medical health and release readiness, weather and a variety of other factors. Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration will do its best to provide advance notification if a change in a release schedule is anticipated. We ask for your patience in cases where such advance notification is impossible. Thank you for your support and understanding.