Wed Feb 19 02:20:00 UTC 2025: **Underweight Seal Pup Rescued in New Haven, Recovering at Mystic Aquarium**
NEW HAVEN, CT – A severely underweight and dehydrated gray seal pup was rescued in New Haven on Sunday and is now receiving treatment at the Mystic Aquarium’s Animal Rescue Clinic. The young seal, estimated to be just a few weeks old and weighing only 28 pounds (compared to the average 35-pound birth weight), was found wandering on Chapel Street in Fair Haven, its arrival there a mystery.
New Haven police, who initially took custody of the unusual visitor, contacted state wildlife officials and the Mystic Aquarium. The aquarium’s veterinary team immediately began treatment, including fluid therapy and a specialized diet of diluted fish fluid formula to help the pup gain weight and strength.
“The seal was lethargic and dehydrated upon arrival,” said Cat McElhaney, a spokesperson for the Mystic Aquarium. “He is currently receiving high-fat milk and is expected to be under care for about three weeks.”
Dr. Allison Tuttte, Mystic Aquarium’s Chief Zoological Officer, expressed gratitude to the New Haven Police Department and the Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection for their assistance. The aquarium’s goal is to rehabilitate the pup and release it back into the ocean once it is healthy enough. This rescue highlights the aquarium’s commitment to marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation along Connecticut’s coastline, and extending into Rhode Island and Fishers Island, New York. Gray seals are federally protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act.
First Piper 