Rehabilitation Videos

 "Guess That Sound"- Marine Mammal Edition 

Listen closely and see if you can guess that sound! 

 March 11, 2025- Two Grey seals graduate to the BIG pool! 

 On Monday the Stranding Team moved Grey seals #25-002 (Strathmere) and #25-003 (Belmar) from the ICU into the pool.  They both took their time on the deck getting familiar with their new surroundings before heading into the pool to explore every square inch of their new enclosure. The time they spend in our 30-foot exercise pool is the next step their rehabilitation journey, bringing them closer to their release back into the wild.

Snow Day Enrichment at MMSC- February 12, 2025

Enrichment activities such as this help provide Grey seal #25-002 (Strathmere) a stimulating environment while in rehabilitation, encouraging him to explore and express his natural foraging behaviors.

 Harbor seal relocation- January 30, 2025 

On the morning of January 30th we received several reports of a seal with bloody flippers on the beach in Ventnor. The female Harbor seal was brought back to the MMSC for an assessment. Fortunately she only had superficial abrasions on her flippers and muzzle, none of which required treatment. She was temporarily marked with a pink "1" on her head with a non-toxic livestock marker. This marking will help identify the seal if spotted again this week.

 Harbor seal #24-216 moves to the ICU 

 On January 29th the Harbor seal from Mantoloking moved out of Pen 1 of the Pool House into a larger enclosure in the ICU. Since stranding on December 30th, she has gained 17.4lbs! This young adult seal still has some more weight to gain, but are happy with her progress so far! 

Grey seal #24-098 (Long Branch) Foraging Enrichment

Nothing better on a hot day than a nice, cold herring popsicle! Enrichment activities such as this help provide Grey seal #24-098 (Long Branch) a stimulating environment while in rehabilitation, encouraging her to explore and express her natural foraging behaviors while getting plenty of physical activity.

Grey seal #24-098 (Long Branch) graduates to the pool!

Watch as our team carefully moves this 116lb. Grey seal from Pen B of the ICU to the pool.  The time she spends in our 30-foot exercise pool is the next step in her rehabilitation, bringing her closer to her release back into the wild as she builds up those swimming muscles.

Live Patient Update- May 2, 2024

Join us on rounds to hear updates on the 18 seals that we are currently caring for in the hospital! 

Harp seal #24 023 (Lavallette) graduates to the pool!

This week the Stranding Team moved adult Harp Seal #24-023 (Lavallette) from the ICU into the pool.  This big guy is currently tipping the scales at over 200lbs! The time he spends in our 30-foot exercise pool is the next step in his rehabilitation, bringing him closer to his release back into the wild as he builds up those swimming muscles. We hope you enjoy this clip of him exploring his new digs! 

Grey seal #24-050 (Loveladies) playing in the water

Our gill net entanglement survivor is bright and alert, and has started eating on her own one week after her rescue.  Her wound is being treated with both oral and topical medications to prevent infection and keep her comfortable during her recovery.  

Harp seal #24-023 (Lavalette) eating ice

Although seals get most of their hydration through the fish that they eat, this Arctic sea ice dwelling species will also frequently consume snow and ice for fresh water. When Harp seals are admitted to the MMSC, we supply them with piles of ice to assist in their hydration, as well as for their comfort and enrichment. ❄ 

Intake Exam-Grey seal #24-011 (Brigantine)

Join our Stranding Technicians during an initial intake examination on a new patient, including a tube feeding to start supportive care. It takes a lot of skill, practice and patience to be able to safely handle these pups for medical exams and treatments. ***Remember these are highly-trained and permitted personnel who are Federally-authorized to handle marine mammals, please do not try this at home!

Live seal intake video- February 15, 2024

Just five minutes after we signed off from our weekly live patient update, our Stranding Coordinator returned with  a new patient, a baby Grey seal in full white birthing coat! Watch patient number EIGHT's intake as it happened live.

Watch as our team carefully moves Harbor seal #23-165  from the ICU to the Pool House. The time he spends in our 30-foot exercise pool is the next step in the rehabilitation process, bringing him closer to his release back into the wild as he builds up his swimming muscles and increases his endurance.