Recently Released Seals Gallery

On March 30th we received a call for a Grey seal hauled out on the beach in Wildwood Crest at Toledo Ave. The caller indicated that the seal had been on the beach in the same location for over 24 hours. A certified Stranding Volunteer local to the area was immediately dispatched to observe the seal while MMSC’s Stranding Coordinator responded.

The male Grey seal pup was transported to the Marine Mammal Stranding Center for a medical assessment. In addition to being underweight, the examination revealed that the seal was suffering from an oral infection and had thick discharge coming from his ears. Bloodwork and cultures were taken, and treatment for infection was started. Staff began supportive care via tube feeding formula to rehydrate the seal and provide nutritional support. The pup’s intake weight was 38.6 lbs. 

Update 5/26/26- Fully-recovered and weighing a healthy 81.4 lbs, he was ready to be returned to the wild. Tagged #16 on his left rear flipper, he was released on 5/26/26 at the North Brigantine Natural Area.    

Last week the Marine Mammal Stranding Center welcomed a second patient from our stranding network colleagues from out of state. This male Grey seal pup was rescued by the North Carolina Aquariums OBX Marine Mammal Stranding Network after stranding in Corova, North Carolina. The pup had been hauled out on the beach for several days, and was very lethargic. OBXMMSN reached out to MMSC to ask if we had rehabilitation space available, and soon a transfer to New Jersey was planned. 

The seal was first transported to Virginia Aquarium to be triaged. Radiographs (x-rays) confirmed a small foreign body was present in the digestive tract. After an overnight stay at their facility, the VAQ team stabilized the Grey seal for the trip north, meeting up with our stranding network partners colleagues from the MERR Institute for the second leg of the seal’s journey through Delaware. After a trip across the Delaware Bay aboard the Cape May-Lewes Ferry, the seal was met by MMSC staff on the New Jersey side of the terminal before completing the final leg of his journey to our facility. 

Upon arrival, an intake exam was performed, with additional bloodwork and cultures taken. The pup’s intake weight was 46.4 lbs. He is currently resting in Pen A of the Intensive Care Unit and is being treated for foreign body ingestion and dehydration.  With the help of Rowan University's Shreiber School of Veterinary Medicine, this patient's progress was monitored throughout his stay via digital x-rays until it was confirmed that he passed the foreign body. 

Update 5/26/26- Fully-recovered and weighing a healthy 92.2 lbs, he was ready to be returned to the wild. Tagged #15 on his left rear flipper, he was released on 5/26/26 at the North Brigantine Natural Area.    

On March 6th we received a call for a seal resting near the dunes close to a beach access path in Mantoloking. The male Grey seal pup was in good body condition with no obvious signs of injury. The seal’s behavior was observed overnight by certified Stranding Volunteers local to the area. When the seal didn't move on by the following morning, the Stranding Team returned the next day on March 7th to transport the pup to MMSC for an evaluation. Wheezing was detected upon examination, raising concerns that he was suffering from a respiratory infection. Once admitted into the hospital, staff began supportive care via tube feeding electrolytes and formula. Treatment for a respiratory infection was started. The seal's intake weight was 33.4lbs. 

Update 5/26/26- Fully-recovered and weighing a healthy 91 lbs, he was ready to be returned to the wild. Tagged #17 on his left rear flipper, he was released on 5/26/26 at the North Brigantine Natural Area.    

On March 18th this male Grey seal was spotted on the beach at Plainfield Ave. in Lavallette. He appeared to be in good overall body condition, so he was left to rest on the beach under the watchful eye of a certified MMSC Stranding Volunteer until nightfall. When the volunteer returned to check on him the following morning, there was evidence that the seal had been vomiting bile overnight. The Stranding Team transported the juvenile Grey seal to the Marine Mammal Stranding Center where he was admitted into the hospital for veterinary care. The seal was given critical supportive care and nutritional support through tube feeding a mixture of formula and electrolytes. Bloodwork and cultures were taken, and treatment for gastrointestinal illness and respiratory infection was started. He weighed 53.6 lbs. at intake. 

Update 4/28/26- Fully-recovered and weighing a healthy 79.8 lbs, he was ready to be returned to the wild. Tagged #14 on his left rear flipper, he was released on 4/28/26 at the North Brigantine Natural Area.