Skinny, lethargic grey seal pup rescued in Beach Haven after found tangled in plastic
A seal pup was discovered lethargic, skinny and tangled in plastic on the shoreline in Beach Haven on Feb. 15.
A call was made for an entangled seal around 4:30 p.m. When the Marine Mammal Stranding Center's Stranding Team arrived, they discovered that the young female grey seal was twisted in plastic overwrap from a case of bottled water.
She was immediately transported to the MMSC in Brigantine, where the plastic was removed, according to the center's post on Facebook.
"Fortunately, the plastic had not yet started to cut into the seal’s neck," the Stranding Center said, although "the pup’s body overall condition was thin, she was lethargic and suffering from gastrointestinal issues."
A veterinarian performed a full medical examination and took blood to check for underlying conditions.
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The pup, who weighed 38.2 pounds, has been given supportive care of formula and electrolytes through tube feeding. She is resting in Pen 2 of the stranding center's pool house.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, garbage is one of the most significant threats to wildlife."Litter can harm wildlife in many ways. When wildlife ingest garbage, it may block their airways or fill up their stomachs, causing them to choke or starve to death. Animals can also become entangled in the debris, which hinders their ability to move freely, causing some to drown, or may cut into their skin and cause an infection. Helping out can be as easy as properly disposing of your garbage, recycling when possible and picking up any trash you find," NOAA says.
Seal pup migration
The MMSC reminds people that the annual grey seal pup migration is in full swing in our area.
That means pups born in December through February are making the long swim from birthing grounds in New England and Canada, the MMSC said. These pups only nurse for about two weeks before they are weaned and begin their journey, where they are learning to hunt for their own food and evade predators.
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"By the time they reach our beaches, they need their rest, and some pups who have not fared as well as the others on their journey, need MMSC’s help," the stranding center.
Help the 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.
Ale for Whales 2024
MMSC also has a fundraiser coming up.
Ale for Whales 2024 is set for 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, March 12, at Tennessee Avenue Beer Hall in Atlantic City.
"Join us for a fun-filled night with a buffet-style dinner, discounted drinks, music, raffle baskets, and more! Don't forget to come dressed in your St. Patrick's Day best," the event's Facebook page states. Tickets are $35 until Feb. 29 and $45 through March 12.
Visit facebook.com/events/692395449688755 for more information.
This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Marine Mammal Stranding Center saves grey seal pup in Beach Haven
