Current Patients at MMSC

On April 20th this male Grey seal was spotted resting on the beach in Sea Girt. The injured seal was suffering from severe edema (swelling) of his right rear flipper and had several minor wounds on his left rear flipper. The Stranding Team immediately transported him to the Marine Mammal Stranding Center where he was admitted into the hospital for treatment. Upon his arrival, the team cleaned his wounds and administered supportive care and nutritional support via tube feeding a mixture of formula and electrolytes. Oral and topical medication were started to prevent infection, as well as pain medication to help keep him comfortable as he recovers. His intake weight was 55.8 lbs. Our newest patient is currently resting comfortably in Pen 3 of the Pool House and has started eating fish on his own. Due to the severity of his injury, this patient is in guarded condition.

On April 12th the Marine Mammal Stranding Center received an urgent call reporting an entangled seal pup in Long Branch, New Jersey on the beach in front of Ocean Pointe Towers. The male Grey seal pup had a section of monofilament net wrapped around his neck which had caused a significant injury. A MMSC Stranding Technician immediately mobilized from the Brigantine facility as a certified Stranding Volunteer local to Long Branch was dispatched to the scene. The volunteer stayed on the beach to watch over the seal in the heavy rain and wind, ensuring no one spooked the pup back into the water before staff arrived. Once on scene, our Stranding Technician safely captured the seal. With the help of our volunteer and several Good Samaritans, the seal was gently carried off the beach and over the walkway to the waiting Stranding Response Vehicle. 

As the seal was transferred from the net into the crate, the severity of the wound was very apparent. The monofilament net, likely a gill net, appears to have been on the seal's neck for quite a while, having become embedded one inch deep into the seal's blubber and flesh. Also entangled in the net with the seal was a deceased spiny dogfish. Several puncture wounds were found on the seal’s ventral side. The seal was rushed to the Marine Mammal Stranding Center where the line was successfully removed by our Stranding Coordinator. The wounds were cleaned and treated, and medication has been started to prevent infection and to keep him comfortable as he heals. This 67.4 lb. pup is resting comfortably in Tub 8 of the Quonset Hut under the care of staff and volunteers, and is currently being assist-fed. Due to the extent of his injuries, this patient is in guarded condition.

This is the third entangled seal rescued by the Marine Mammal Stranding Center in less than one month, and the second seal found in what appears to be sections of gill net. 

On   April 3rd we received a report of an injured seal lying on the beach in Brigantine. When our Stranding Coordinator arrived, he found a very male Grey seal pup suffering from several lacerations on his front flippers, shoulders and mouth, as well as severe edema (swelling) of his left rear flipper. The pup was immediately transported to the Center for medical treatment. Upon his arrival, the team cleaned his wounds and administered supportive care and nutritional support via tube feeding a mixture of formula and electrolytes. Oral and topical medication were started to prevent infection, as well as pain medication to help keep him comfortable as he recovers. We are very happy to report that this patient is eating on his own, and his behavior is appropriately aggressive. Our newest patient, who weighed 50.2 lbs. at intake, is resting comfortably in Pen 1 of the Pool House. 

This  male Grey seal pup was found stranded on March 23rd in Port Monmouth. He was suffering from edema (swelling) of his left rear flipper and an apparent mass on his right hip. He is currently being treated for infection with both oral and topical medications, as well as medication to keep him comfortable. His intake weight was 55.6lbs. He is resting comfortably in Pen 2 of the Pool House. This patient is in guarded condition. 

This male Grey seal pup was found stranded on March 23rd in Elberon, suffering from a large 8” long laceration on his back, and an injured right eye. He is currently being treated for infection with both oral and topical medications, as well as medication to keep him comfortable. His intake weight was 45.4lbs. He is currently resting comfortably in Tub 7 of the Hut. This patient is in stable but guarded condition due to the extent of his injuries.