Bitten by a shark and stranded on Christmas in Surf City, Harbor seal pup out of ICU
An injured seal pup who was rescued on Christmas Day is one step closer to being released back into the wild.
Veterinarians believe the Harbor seal was bitten by a shark, leading to large lacerations and other wounds. He stranded on the beach in Surf City.
He was rescued and taken to the Marine Mammal Stranding Center, where he has been recovering in the ICU.
On Thursday, MMSC announced the little guy has been making a splash, moving to the big pool and pool house from the ICU. They posted a video on Facebook of the move.
"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 and increases his endurance," MSCC said.
More: Meet the stranded seals nursing back to health in NJ
They said the seal pup's wounds continue to heal, with the large laceration on his hip more than 50 percent smaller.
Harbor Seal #23-165 graduates to the Pool House!
It's a BIG day for the Harbor seal that stranded in Surf City on Christmas Day...he has graduated to the BIG pool! Watch as our team carefully moves him from the ICU to the Pool House. This shark bite survivor's wounds continue to heal nicely, including the laceration on his hip, which is currently more than 50% smaller and closing up more and more every day. A quick stop at the scale also confirms that he has gained over 15lbs during his recovery. He has been tagged #64 in preparation for release day. 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 and increases his endurance. Happy graduation day, Harbor Seal #23-165!!! 🎓
Posted by Marine Mammal Stranding Center on Thursday, January 25, 2024
He has also gained more than 15 pounds during his recovery.
MSCC said he's been tagged #64 in preparation for his release day.
Marine Mammal Stranding Center
The Marine Mammal Stranding Center is a non-profit dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and release of marine mammals.
MMSC says it costs about $3,000 on average to rescue and treat each seal that comes into its care.
MMSC urges everyone to save their 24-hour hotline in their phones − the number is 609-266-0538 − in order to call if you spot a seal or other creature in distress.
Visit mmsc.org to learn more about the Marine Mammal Stranding Center and to make a donation to support MMSC's efforts to help sick and injured marine mammals. You also can make a donation by mail: Marine Mammal Stranding Center, Post Office Box 773, 3625 Atlantic-Brigantine Blvd., Brigantine, NJ 08203.
The Marine Mammal Stranding Center also offers memberships, with anyone renewing or purchasing a new membership through the end of January receiving an invitation to a behind-the-scenes tour of its hospital and facilities later this year.
This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Seal saved in Surf City by Marine Mammal Stranding Center out of ICU
