Three new patients have joined the Alaska SeaLife Center’s “growing” patient list, the center announced in a July 1 press release, including two orphaned harbor seal pups and an orphaned male sea otter pup. The SeaLife Center, located in Seward, now has 12 animals in rehabilitative care, many of which are still in critical condition and receiving “lifesaving” veterinary care.
Wildlife Response Curator and Licensed Veterinary Technician Jane Belovarac said in the release that this is a “notable” number of admits early in the season.
“With harbor seal pupping season continuing through mid-July, we’re staying prepared,” she said. “We don’t yet know what the coming weeks will bring.”
The male otter, found stranded near Homer, was admitted on June 23. One harbor seal pup, recovered from Nikiski, was admitted on June 20 while the other, found in Juneau, was admitted on June 23.
According to the release, the Juneau seal pup was the “smallest and most underweight patient admitted so far this season,” and despite intensive care efforts by the SeaLife Center team, has passed away. The Nikiski seal pup is currently receiving veterinary treatment, as is the otter pup, who is estimated to be about two weeks old.
Belovarac said in the release that the otter pup is showing “encouraging signs” as he’s being cared for.
“He’s alert, taking the bottle well, and has already started practicing holding his breath while in the water, which is a great early milestone,” she said. “His temperature and glucose levels are stable. As his body adjusts to drinking formula, we are watching him closely for signs of constipation, which is always a challenge for pups transitioning to new food.”
The male otter pup joins a female sea otter pup who was rescued from Homer earlier in June and was recently named Un’a, which means “that out in the open water” in the language of the Alutiiq/Sugpiaq people.
Follow the Alaska SeaLife Center on Instagram or Facebook for updates on all 12 patients currently receiving care.
