Featured Image Credit: www.wnypapers.com
By: Laura O’Brien
Humans activities are often devastating to marine life. Pollution, irresponsible fishing practices, and even recreational activities can have serious consequences. Stryker the seal is living proof of this sad reality. The 1-year-old was struck by a boat and then rescued by the Marine Mammal Stranding Center off of New Jersey. His hind flipper was mangled so severely from the impact that veterinarians determined that the flipper must be amputated. Like many other animals, Stryker’s injuries were so severe that he cannot be released back into the wild.
Stryker will never get to go home, but now the Aquarium of Niagra hopes to provide him a good new life, where he and his fellow rescued seals will educate aquarium goers about the damage that carelessness can cause to marine life. The aquarium curator Richelle Swem said, “we chose this name in hopes that it will remind the public to be mindful and conscious of wildlife”. One of Stryker’s new tank-mates was also rescued by the Marine Mammal Stranding Center, she’s a grey seal named Della. His heart-touching story shares similarities with marine mammals all around the world; but, through educational programs at places like the Aquarium of Niagara, we hope that people will learn how to take better care of the ocean and marine life.
Learn more from our source.