Virginia Aquarium rescues stranded seal pup

Fava was found dehydrated and malnourished off the coast of Cape Charles

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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The Virginia Aquarium's Stranding Response Team rescued a stranded grey seal pup on Valentine's Day and transported her to their Darden Marine Animal Conservation Center for initial treatment. After stabilizing her condition, the pup, named Fava, was transferred to the National Aquarium in Baltimore for further rehabilitation.

Why it matters

Seal pup strandings are not uncommon along the Virginia coast, and the Virginia Aquarium's Stranding Response Team plays a vital role in rescuing and caring for these vulnerable marine mammals. Their efforts help protect the local seal population and promote conservation.

The details

The Virginia Aquarium's Stranding Response Team was called to rescue the stranded grey seal pup on February 14th. They determined the pup, named Fava, was dehydrated and malnourished, and provided initial treatment at their Darden Marine Animal Conservation Center. After stabilizing her condition, Fava was transferred to the National Aquarium in Baltimore, which will continue to provide her with nutritional support and rehabilitation as needed.

  • Fava was rescued by the Stranding Response team on Valentine's Day, February 14.
  • Fava was initially treated at the Virginia Aquarium's Darden Marine Animal Conservation Center.

The players

Virginia Aquarium

A marine life aquarium and research center located in Virginia Beach, Virginia, that operates a Stranding Response Team to rescue and care for stranded marine mammals.

National Aquarium

An aquarium located in Baltimore, Maryland, that will continue providing rehabilitation and care for the rescued seal pup, Fava.

Fava

A grey seal pup that was rescued by the Virginia Aquarium's Stranding Response Team and is now receiving further care and rehabilitation at the National Aquarium in Baltimore.

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The takeaway

The Virginia Aquarium's rescue and rehabilitation efforts for the stranded seal pup demonstrate the important role that aquariums and conservation organizations play in protecting vulnerable marine life along the coast.