Mystic Aquarium sends healed seals home
A kiss goodbye? |
Mystic
Aquarium’s Animal Rescue Program was in full-bloom this morning as three rehabilitated
Harbor seal pups were released in Charlestown, RI.
After
receiving compassionate and specialized care from Mystic Aquarium’s animal care
professionals, Aster, Azalea and Ivy were released to
the open ocean.
A large crowd of onlookers at Blue Shutters Beach helped
the team at Mystic Aquarium give the trio a fond farewell.
All three pups were believed to have been abandoned
shortly after birth. Aster was rescued by Mystic Aquarium in
North Kingstown, RI in early May.
Both Azalea and Ivy were rescued by Marine
Mammals of Maine. Azalea was rescued in Harpswell, ME, before
being transferred to Mystic Aquarium for rehabilitation on June 22.
Ivy, rescued from East Boothbay Harbor, ME, arrived
at the Animal Rescue clinic on July 20.
Following months of rehabilitation, the three seals,
now approximately 4 – 5 months old, weighed-in at around 50 pounds each –
Azalea, Aster and Ivy were healthy and prepared for life at sea.
To learn more about Mystic Aquarium’s Animal Rescue
Program or ways to support Mystic Aquarium’s mission to protect the ocean
planet, visit MysticAquarium.org