Seaside Park, NJ – A young grey seal pup is receiving care at the Marine Mammal Stranding Center (MMSC) following its discovery and an eventful transport.
On Thursday, February 8, the male grey seal was found at Island Beach State Park, near the inlet jetty. A MMSC volunteer, local to the area, was sent to assess the pup’s condition. After observing the seal for 24 hours without it leaving the beach, MMSC staff transported the pup to their facility on Friday, February 9.
During the journey, the truck experienced a mechanical issue, blowing a transmission line on the Garden State Parkway, 20 miles from MMSC. The situation was quickly managed with the stranding technician pulling over safely, and the stranding coordinator arriving with another truck.
With the assistance of New Jersey State Troopers, the seal, still asleep in its crate, was transferred to the second truck and continued to MMSC without further incident.
Upon arrival at MMSC, the seal pup was examined, showing signs of being underweight and a minor wound on the side of its head. The pup, estimated to be 4–6 weeks old and weighing 36 pounds at intake, is now being assist-fed a daily diet of fish and receiving supportive care through tube feeding with a formula and electrolytes for hydratio