Rescued Grey Seal Pup Showing Steady Progress

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A young grey seal rescued from a roadway in Harvey Cedars, New Jersey last week is making steady progress in rehabilitation, according to staff at the Marine Mammal Stranding Center. The lethargic pup has become more active and alert, started eating fish on its own, and no longer requires supplemental feedings, indicating positive steps in its recovery.

Why it matters

Grey seal populations along the New Jersey coast have been declining in recent years due to factors like habitat loss and human interaction. Successful rehabilitation and release of stranded seals can help boost the local seal population and raise awareness about the challenges these marine mammals face.

The details

The seal, identified as #26-011, arrived at the rehabilitation facility last week in a lethargic state and requiring close medical attention. Since then, staff say the pup has become more active and alert, started eating cut-up pieces of fish on its own, and has even begun mouthing and tearing whole fish - a key behavior as young seals learn to forage independently. The pup no longer requires supplemental tube feedings of formula and electrolytes, and its hydration levels have returned to normal.

• The seal was rescued from the middle of a roadway in Harvey Cedars, New Jersey last week.
• The pup began showing interest in food and eating cut-up fish over the past weekend.

What’s next

While many have asked about a potential release date, officials said it is too soon to determine when the seal will return to the ocean, as each animal moves through rehabilitation at a different pace. Some seals are ready for release within a month, while others require extended care before they are strong enough to survive on their own.