The Wildlife Response Program patients include a young harbor seal and a sea otter pup
Seward, Alaska (Sept. 14, 2022) – The Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) recently admitted two patients to
the Wildlife Response Program, a young male harbor seal (the third admitted in 2022) and a male sea otter pup.
The harbor seal pup was reported by the captain of a local charter fishing boat on August 22, 2022 after
the pup climbed onto the boat’s deck near Hive Island, about 15 miles south of Seward in Resurrection
Bay. Photographs sent to the ASLC showed a skinny, young male harbor seal pup. Upon meeting the boat
in the harbor, it was clear to ASLC staff by the seal’s exhausted appearance and quiet behavior that he
would need immediate medical attention. After receiving National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration approval, the pup was transported back to the Alaska SeaLife Center for treatment.
After an initial examination, veterinary staff estimated that the seal was around two months old and was
likely separated from his mother or weaned prematurely. The team’s main concerns were malnourishment, dehydration, and lethargy. Some wounds were also noted on the seal’s flippers. Once hydrated with supportive fluids, the seal quickly took to eating fish on his own. Recovering from starvation can be a slow process, and the team is currently providing additional stabilizing treatments and monitoring the patient further to understand the severity of his conditions.
The second rescue occurred September 7, 2022 after a caller to the ASLC’s 24-hour Stranded Marine
Animal Hotline (888-774-7325) reported a pair of otters on a remote beach in the western Kenai
Peninsula. Observers sent photographs and described a disheartening scene to ASLC hotline operators.
They saw a moribund female sea otter that was barely moving or breathing with her juvenile pup
vocalizing on top of her. The condition of the mother was dire, and the team determined she would likely
not survive a transport back to Seward or treatment. Efforts were then focused on saving the male pup,
estimated to be around four months old and too young to survive on its own. With approval from the U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service, the pup was admitted to the ASLC Wildlife Response program for care. The
original observers were able to return to the remote site the next day and confirm that the adult had passed away.
The pup was examined upon arrival to ASLC and found to be underweight, but otherwise alert and strong. After the exam, he was swimming energetically and eating solid food. Over the next several days the team will be closely monitoring him for signs of illness or challenges keeping his coat in good condition.
You can follow the ASLC on Facebook and Instagram for more updates on these rescue patients as the team works to nurse them back to health.