Recently Released Seals Gallery

 On April 17th we received a call for an injured seal in Long Branch. The female Grey seal was suffering from severe edema (swelling) in her right front flipper, and moderate edema with an open draining wound on her left front flipper. The seal was rushed to MMSC's hospital. Our veterinarian examined the seal, noting that she had a very large infected abscess in her right front flipper that had spread upwards towards her shoulder, swelling her flipper to more than three times its normal size. Further diagnostic testing revealed that she has sustained fractures to several smaller bones of her flipper. As the swelling subsided with treatment, loose bone fragments worked their way out of the wound. The infection resolved, bringing her flipper back to normal size. We initially had concerns that the flipper would need to be amputated due to the bone involvement. 

Update 8/27- As the injury continued to heal with treatment, the seal regained function in her right front flipper. We are happy to report that she is able to use her flipper normally for hauling out of the water, swimming, and manipulating fish as she eats. Fully-recovered and now weighing 118lbs, she was ready to return to the wild. Tagged #92 on her right rear flipper, she was released on 8/27/24 at the North Brigantine Natural Area.

On April 20th we received a report of an injured seal in Margate. The male Grey seal had several wounds and edema (swelling) of his rear flippers. He was admitted into the hospital for treatment for his infected wounds. His intake weight was 52.8 lbs. 

Update 7/2- Fully-recovered and weighing a healthy 115.2 lbs, he was ready to be returned to the wild. Tagged #90 on his left rear flipper, he was released on 7/2/24 at the North Brigantine Natural Area.

 On March 9th we received a call for a Grey seal pup hauled out on the beach in Sea Isle City. The young male was suffering from a large wound on his right shoulder and a corneal abrasion of his left eye. Once admitted into the hospital, staff began supportive care via tube feeding a mixture of formula and electrolytes. Oral and topical treatment was started to prevent infection. The seal's intake weight was 44.2 lbs. 

Update 7/2- Fully-recovered and weighing a healthy 119.8 lbs, he was ready to be returned to the wild. Tagged #89 on his left rear flipper, he was released on 7/2/24 at the North Brigantine Natural Area.

On April 28th we received a call for Grey seal on the beach at Passiac Ave. in Spring Lake. The male pup was bright, alert and vocal but in an emaciated body condition. Once admitted into the hospital, staff began supportive care via tube feeding a mixture of formula and electrolytes. His intake weight was 37.6 lbs.  

Update 6/18-   Fully-recovered and now weighing a healthy 84.6 lbs, he was ready to return to the wild. Tagged #88 on his left rear flipper,  he was released on 6/18/24 at Sandy Hook Gateway National Park.

On March 25th we received a call for a severely injured seal in Sea Isle City. When the Stranding Team arrived they discovered a female Harp seal yearling suffering from a very large open head wound on the right side of her head and a large abscess on her right shoulder. She was immediately transported to MMSC.  The seal was being treated for infection with both oral and topical medications, as well as medication to keep her comfortable. Her intake weight was 46lbs. 

Update 5/28-  Miraculously, despite the size and depth of the injury, she had avoided damage to her skull, eye, ear, and major blood vessels. Her head wound completely healed and closed up. Only a scar remains as a reminder of this beautiful seal's incredible story of survival.  Fully-recovered and now weighing a healthy 100.8 lbs, she was ready to return to the wild. Tagged #84 on her right rear flipper, she was released at the North Brigantine Natural Area. 

 On April 5th we received an urgent call for an entangled seal pup in Island Beach State Park. The male Grey seal had a length of polypropylene line, which was tied at the end into a knot, embedded into his neck. The seal was rushed to MMSC's hospital. Our veterinarian was already at MMSC waiting for the new intake, and successfully removed the line within minutes of his arrival. The line left a wound that was one inch deep, running approximately 15cm across the back of his neck. Fortunately the line had not yet cut into the underside of his neck. The wound was cleaned and treated, and medication was started to prevent infection and to keep him comfortable as he heals. This is the third entangled seal that has been admitted to MMSC this season. 

Update 5/28- Fully-recovered and now weighing a healthy 100 lbs, he was ready to return to the wild. Tagged #86 on his left rear flipper, he was released at the North Brigantine Natural Area. 

On March 20th we received a call for a seal hauled out at 79th Street in Harvey Cedars. When the Stranding Team arrived to assess the seal, they discovered that the female Grey pup was suffering from multiple injuries to all of her flippers, including a more severe injury on her left rear flipper with bone exposed. Once admitted into the hospital, staff began supportive care via tube feeding a mixture of formula and electrolytes. Treatment was started to address her wounds. The seal's intake weight was 42.2 lbs. 

Update 5/28- Fully-recovered and now weighing a healthy 85.4 lbs, she was ready to return to the wild. Tagged #87 on her right rear flipper, she was released at the North Brigantine Natural Area. 

On March 11th the Stranding Team responded to an injured Grey seal pup on the beach in Avalon.  Once admitted into the hospital, staff began supportive care via tube feeding a mixture of formula and electrolytes to rehydrate the seal. Upon examination it was found that the male pup was suffering from a large wound on his right rear flipper, and several smaller wounds all over the rest of his body. Oral and topical treatment was started to prevent infection. The seal's intake weight was 48.4 lbs. 

Update 5/28- Fully-recovered and now weighing a healthy 126.6 lbs, he was ready to return to the wild. Tagged #83 on his left rear flipper, he was released at the North Brigantine Natural Area. 

On March 26th the Stranding Team admitted a  male Grey seal pup found stranded and emaciated in Long Branch at Seven Presidents Park. His body condition was extremely thin, and he was lethargic. His intake weight was 32.2lbs. 

Update 5/28- Fully-recovered and now weighing a healthy 98.6 lbs, he was ready to return to the wild. Tagged #85 on his left rear flipper, he was released at the North Brigantine Natural Area. 

 On March 30th the Stranding Team responded to a  male Grey seal pup in Long Branch at North Bath Ave.  The seal's behavior was observed on the beach by shifts of MMSC Stranding Volunteers for over 24 hours. Unfortunately people had been harassing this seal as he tried to rest, so he became exhausted. He was admitted to MMSC for a possible respiratory infection. His intake weight was 40.2lbs.

Update 5/13- Once fully recovered from his illness, he became one of the most aggressive and vocal seals in our hospital.  He was tagged #77 on his left rear flipper. Weighing a healthy 84.8lbs he was released at the North Brigantine Natural Area in the company of five other juvenile Grey seals. We selected this release photo as it exemplifies his wild nature!

 On March 26th we received a call for a female Grey seal pup stranded in Ocean City at 1st street. She was suffering from a wound on the back of her neck that had developed an infected abscess, and edema (swelling) in both of her front flippers. She was treated for infection with both oral and topical medications, as well as medication to keep her comfortable.

Update 5/13- Now fully recovered from her injuries, she was tagged #82 on her right rear flipper. Weighing a healthy 93lbs she was released at the North Brigantine Natural Area in the company of five other juvenile Grey seals.

On March 18th we received a call for a Grey seal pup hauled out at Ocean Avenue in Monmouth Beach. The young male was active and alert, however he was wheezing. Once admitted into the hospital, staff began supportive care via tube feeding a mixture of formula and electrolytes. He is being treated for a possible respiratory infection. The seal's intake weight was 50 lbs. 

Update 5/13- Now fully recovered from his illness, he was tagged #80 on his left rear flipper. Weighing a healthy 110.6lbs he was released at the North Brigantine Natural Area in the company of five other juvenile Grey seals.

 On March 13th an entangled seal was reported on the beach in Loveladies. The female Grey seal pup had a gill net around her neck. The Stranding Technician transported the young seal to MMSC to be admitted to the hospital, where a medical assessment was performed. The Stranding Coordinator carefully removed the net, which was partially embedded into her neck. The entanglement left behind a significant wound encircling her neck, approximately 2" wide and 1" deep. The team began supportive care via tube feeding a mixture of formula and electrolytes to rehydrate the new patient and provide nutritional support. Oral and topical medications were started to prevent infection and keep her comfortable as she recovered. 

Update 5/13- Now fully recovered from her injuries, she was tagged #79 on her right rear flipper. Weighing a healthy 105.2lbs she was released at the North Brigantine Natural Area in the company of five other juvenile Grey seals.

On March 12th we received a call for a seal pup on the beach is Sea Isle City. The male Grey seal was suffering from a wound on his right rear flipper. Once admitted into the hospital, staff began supportive care via tube feeding a mixture of formula and electrolytes. Treatment was started to prevent infection. The seal's intake weight was 46.8lbs. 

Update 5/13- Now fully recovered from his injuries, he was tagged #78 on his left rear flipper. Weighing a healthy 103.2lbs he was released at the North Brigantine Natural Area in the company of five other juvenile Grey seals.

On February 22nd we received a call for a seal pup lying on the beach at Allen Ave. in Allenhurst. The female Grey seal pup was very thin and lethargic. She was transported to MMSC where she was given supportive care via tube feeding a mixture of formula and electrolytes. She only weighed 32.4  lbs. at intake.

Update 5/13- Now fully recovered, she was tagged #78 on her right rear flipper. Weighing a healthy 92.6lbs she was released at the North Brigantine Natural Area in the company of five other juvenile Grey seals.

On March 12th the Stranding Team responded to a  male Grey seal on the beach in Lavallette. He was was suffering from an abscessed wound on his right hip. The pup was admitted into the hospital, and given supportive care via tube feeding a mixture of formula and electrolytes. The seal's intake weight was 39.8 bs. Oral and topical treatment was started for his wound. 

Update 4/22- Fully-recovered from his injury and now weighing a healthy 69.6lbs, he was ready to return to the wild. Tagged #76 on his left rear flipper,  he was released on Earth Day  into the calm waters just inside the Brigantine Inlet at the North Brigantine Natural Area.  

 On February 21st at 4:00am we received a call for a seal pup lying on the beach near the Ocean Casino in Atlantic City.  The male Grey seal pup was suffering from multiple injuries, including a severe laceration on his left rear flipper, and several smaller lacerations and punctures to his right front flipper and shoulder.  The seal was transported to MMSC where he was given first aid for his wounds and supportive care via tube feeding a mixture of formula and electrolytes. The pups’ intake weight was 43.2 lbs. 

Update 4/22-  Fully-recovered from his injuries and having gained 60lbs to his current weight of 103.2lbs, he was ready to return to the wild. Tagged #74 on his left rear flipper,  he was released on Earth Day  into the calm waters just inside the Brigantine Inlet at the North Brigantine Natural Area.  

 On February 18th we received a call for a seal pup lying on the beach in Ship Bottom, Long Beach Island.  The male Grey seal pup’s overall body condition was very thin. The pup was immediately transported to MMSC where he was given supportive care via tube feeding a mixture of formula and electrolytes. The pup's intake weight was 26.6 lbs. , making him the smallest seal admitted so far this season. 

Update 4/22-  Fully-recovered and having more than DOUBLED his intake weight to 65.5lbs, he was ready to return to the wild. Tagged #75 on his left rear flipper, he was released on Earth Day  into the calm waters just inside the Brigantine Inlet at the North Brigantine Natural Area.  

On February 23rd we received a call for a large adult male Harp seal hauled out on the beach in Lavallette. The seal's behavior on the beach was observed for 24  hours by MMSC staff and certified Stranding Volunteers local to the area. When the seal didn't move on the next day and showed evidence of consuming sand, the Stranding Team returned the next afternoon on February 24th to transport him to MMSC. Once admitted into the hospital, staff began supportive care via tube feeding a mixture of formula and electrolytes to rehydrate the seal, and started treatment to flush the sand out of his system with fluids and mineral oil. The seal's intake weight was 150.8 lbs. 

Update 4/8/24- After six weeks of care in our hospital, this adult seal is fully recovered and ready to return to the wild. Weighing a healthy 220lbs, he was tagged #73 on his left rear flipper, was released at the North Brigantine Natural Area.

On February 15th at 4:30pm we received an urgent call for an entangled seal in Beach Haven. When our Stranding Team arrived, they discovered a seal pup entangled around the neck by the plastic overwrap from a case of bottled water. The female Grey seal was immediately transported to the Marine Mammal Stranding Center where the entanglement was removed. Fortunately, the plastic had not yet started to cut into the seal’s neck. The pup’s body overall condition was thin, she was lethargic and suffering from gastrointestinal issues. The pups’ intake weight was 38.2lbs. She was moved into Pen 2 of the Pool House. 

Update 4/2/24- After seven weeks of care in our hospital, she was fully recovered and ready to return to the wild. Now weighing a healthy 84lbs, she was tagged #72 on her right rear flipper and released at the North Brigantine Natural Area. Her release was featured live on NBC's Today Show!

On February 15th this male Grey seal pup was found on the North End of Brigantine Beach close to the dunes. He is still 80% covered in lanugo (birth coat) and is estimated to be 2-3 weeks old. This pup likely did not learn how to eat on his own after being weaned from his mother, or was weaned too early. Once he arrived at the Center the Stranding Technicians immediately gave the hungry pup supportive care via tube feeding a mixture of formula and electrolytes. His intake weight was 35.2lbs. He was moved to Pen 1 of the Pool House. 

Update 4/2/24- After seven weeks of care in our hospital, this small pup had shed his lanugo, revealing his slate-grey colored juvenile coat.  Now weighing a healthy 80lbs, he was tagged #71 on his left rear flipper and released at the North Brigantine Natural Area. His release was featured live on NBC's Today Show!

This female Grey seal was found stranded on the beach in Sea Isle City at 66th Street on Valentine’s Day. She was wheezing, and suffering from numerous small wounds across her face, flippers, and body. Although her weight is good for her age, she requires medical attention for her respiratory infection and wounds. She was immediately transported to the Marine Mammal Stranding Center for a medical examination and admitted. The young seal was given supportive care via tube feeding a mixture of formula and electrolytes. Her intake weight was 42.8lbs.

Update 2/19/24- After six weeks of care in our hospital, this juvenile seal is fully recovered and ready to return to the wild. Weighing a healthy 75.4lbs, she was tagged #69 on her right rear flipper and  released at the North Brigantine Natural Area.

 On February Feb. 12th this male Grey seal stranded on the beach at 36th Street in Sea Isle City. He had mucous around his eyes, and several abrasions on his body and his nostrils. He was brought to the Marine Mammal Stranding Center for a medical examination and admitted.  The pup was given supportive care via tube feeding a mixture of formula and electrolytes for hydration. The Stranding Technicians are currently assist-feeding his diet of fish. His intake weight was 44lbs. This pup came in at a good weight for age but required treatment for a respiratory infection. 

Update 2/19/24- After six weeks of care in our hospital, this juvenile seal is fully recovered and ready to return to the wild. Weighing a healthy 68lbs, he was tagged #68 on his left rear flipper and  released at the North Brigantine Natural Area.

On February Feb. 8th this male Grey seal was found in Seaside Park (Island Beach State Park) near the inlet jetty.  A trained MMSC volunteer local to the area was dispatched to help assess the pup's condition, and his behavior was observed overnight. When the seal didn't leave the beach by the next day, MMSC staff responded on February 9th to transport him to MMSC.  Once he arrived at the Center, he was examined and given supportive care via tube feeding a mixture of formula and electrolytes for hydration. He was underweight and has a small wound on the side of his head. The Stranding Technicians are currently assist-feeding his diet of fish. His intake weight was 36lbs.

Update 2/19/24- After six weeks of care in our hospital, this juvenile seal is fully recovered and ready to return to the wild. Weighing a healthy 76.6lbs, he was tagged #67 on his left rear flipper, he was released at the North Brigantine Natural Area.

On February 8th the MERR Institute of Delaware  responded to this female Grey seal that had come ashore in front of Sea Colony in Bethany Beach.  Although she was alert and active, she was very underweight.  She was monitored throughout the day, and the decision was made to rescue her on the morning of Feb. 9th.  She was transported to MMSC for rehabilitation.  The 4–6-week-old seal was admitted to the ICU. Upon being admitted, she was examined and given supportive care via tube feeding a mixture of formula and electrolyte solution for hydration.  Treatment was started for a respiratory infection. Her intake weight was 28.8lbs. 

Update 2/19/24- After six weeks of care in our hospital, this juvenile seal is fully recovered and ready to return to the wild. Weighing a healthy 70lbs, she was tagged #70  on her right rear flipper and  released at the North Brigantine Natural Area.

On Friday January 12th shortly before 10pm, a jogger discovered a seal pup lying on the sidewalk at Baltimore Avenue in Point Pleasant beach. The young female Grey seal had likely breached the flooded bulkhead at Lake Louise during the coastal storm, and soon made her way to the middle of the road. Two MMSC Stranding Staff members immediately responded from Brigantine as the Point Pleasant Beach Police Department kept the seal pup safe until they arrived. Traveling during the height of the storm, the team arrived back at the MMSC with the seal at 1:30am.  The pup was moved into Pen C of the Intensive Care Unit, where she was given supportive care via tube feeding a mixture of formula and electrolyte solution for hydration. 

Update 3/25/24- After over two months of care in our hospital, she had recovered and was ready to return to the wild. Weighing a healthy 76.8lbs, she was tagged #66 on her right rear flipper. She was released back into the ocean at the North Brigantine Natural Area.

This male grey seal pup was first discovered resting on the beach in Sea Bright late in the afternoon of January 11th. A former MMSC Stranding Technician local to the area was dispatched to help assess the pup's condition, and his behavior was observed overnight. When the seal didn't leave the beach by daybreak, MMSC staff responded and transported him to the Center. The pup still has traces of his white birthing coat (lanugo), so we are estimating his age to be approximately 4-5 weeks old. His intake weight was 35lbs. Despite being thin and having some irritation from sand in his eyes, he is bright, alert and responsive. Once the pup arrived at the Center, he was moved into the ICU and given supportive care with fluids and assist-feeding fish. 

Update 2/19/24- After six weeks of care in our hospital, this juvenile seal is fully recovered and ready to return to the wild. Weighing a healthy 86lbs, he was tagged #65 on his left rear flipper, he was released at the North Brigantine Natural Area.

On Christmas Day (12/25/23) we received a report of a badly injured seal lying on the beach in Surf City, Long Beach Island. When our Stranding Technicians arrived, they found a male Harbor seal suffering from a large laceration on his left hip, and multiple smaller wounds on his abdomen and around his tail. The yearling, likely born last spring, was immediately transported to MMSC for medical treatment and supportive care. Upon his arrival, staff administered fluids and flushed out his wounds.  During his medical examination MMSC's veterinarian determined the likely cause of the wound is a shark bite. 

Update 2/8/24-  Fully-recovered from his injuries after spending over six weeks in our hospital, he was ready to return to the wild. Now weighing a healthy 87lbs, he was tagged #64 on his left rear flipper for future identification and released into the calm waters just inside the Brigantine Inlet at the North Brigantine Natural Area.