Rescue, Relocate, and Release!

Watch as  Grey seal #21-016 is returned to the wild after over one month of rehabilitation at the Marine Mammal Stranding Center! Also joining her are two other seals being relocated from crowded beaches- a male grey seal and a female harp seal. 

Watch as Harbor seal #21-008 and Grey seal #21-010 are returned to the wild after 1 1/2 months of rehabilitation at the Marine Mammal Stranding Center! Also joining them is a female grey seal being relocated from a crowded beach over the holiday weekend.

 Did you know that although seals look awkward, they can actually travel very well on land? Case in point- this little female grey seal who wandered a full block down the beach along the dunes, up an access path and into the driveway of a house on 68th Street in Harvey Cedars! Watch as we relocate this spunky little seal along with a second grey seal pup on a remote beach. 

 On the morning of March 15, 2021 we received a call for another healthy seal that we had to relocate due to people getting way too close to her as she was resting on the beach. This is the seventh seal that we have had to relocate this season for this reason. We are imploring everyone to PLEASE give the seals a break by staying at least 150 feet away from them, keep your dogs leashed on the beach and never post the location of a seal on social media. YOU can help by sharing our social media posts and spreading the word to respect these Federally-protected marine mammals. 

On the morning of February 22th, 2021, Stranding Technician Mackenzie relocated a seal with the help of MMSC intern Paige. The healthy female harbor seal was hauled out yesterday afternoon on a popular beach that was very crowded with people and off-leash dogs. For her safety we decided it was best to relocate the seal to a more remote location so she could rest undisturbed. After an overnight observation at the Center, it was determined she was perfectly healthy and ready to be released. Please keep in mind that seals are Federally-protected animals, and you should give them at least 150 feet of space, and keep your dogs leashed. Seals pack a very powerful bite, and can transmit diseases to both humans and dogs. And please do not post their location on social media, it only draws crowds and creates more stress for the seals. Thank you for spreading the word and helping us to protect these beautiful visitors to our area! 

On the morning of February 8th, 2021,  Stranding Technicians Troy and Madisen relocated a seal. The healthy male harp seal was trying to rest on the beach in a coastal New Jersey State park, however, onlookers and their dogs continued to get too close to the animal. To avoid further disturbance of the seal and to prevent potential injury to everyone involved (seal, dogs and humans), the seal was relocated and released on a remote beach.