Featured Image Source: The Providence Journal | Bob Briedenbach
Earlier this month, a harbor seal was returned to the wild waves of the ocean. The young harbour seal, Laysan, was rescued last May at a very young age.
The rescuers believed that he was only about one week old at the time of rescue. Apparently, the pup was born prematurely. In the wild, mother seals will abandon their young that have a low chance of survival.
Laysan was rescued in Falmouth, Maine. He was later transported to Mystic Aquarium where he was well taken care of. His treatment included a surgery to stop an infection, careful weaning, swim lessons, and plenty of TLC from the staff.
When it was time to release Laysan, the staff attached a satellite tag so that researchers can track his movements and see what this young seal chooses to do with his freedom.
Although Laysan is a lucky seal, many other prematurely born seals do not survive in the wild. It is difficult for the mother of a premature seal pup to feed and care for the pup in a way that would help it to survive. Many times these pups need specialized medical attention in order to survive. Laysan was very lucky and it is amazing to see the young pup returned to the wild in just a matter of months!
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