Mystic Aquarium Releases Rescued Juvenile Seal

MYSTIC, CT — Mystic Aquarium has released "Northlands," a rescued juvenile gray seal from Bermuda. The seal arrived March 20 after receiving initial care from the staff at the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo.

The male gray seal pup spent the last several weeks of rehabilitation at Mystic Aquarium’s Animal Rescue Clinic with the goal of releasing the animal in the colder waters of the north Atlantic Ocean.

After "a marked recovery," Northlands was released at Blue Shutters Beach in Charlestown, Rhode Island on the morning of April 11, according to a statement from the aquarium.

Gray seals in the Western Atlantic generally live in coastal areas from Canada to the northeastern United States. Seals are generally not found in Bermuda waters due to the island’s isolation in the Atlantic Ocean, the warm water temperatures, and lack of soft-boned fish stock.

Besides being “out of habitat” for gray seals and the Bermuda waters not being suitable for survival of this species, Northlands was found malnourished and dehydrated.

When first discovered stranded at Clearwater Beach in Bermuda, the juvenile gray seal weighed in at a mere 26 lbs. Now, Northlands has weighed in at over 55 lbs., doubling in size during his time spent in rehabilitation.

"Northlands has no clinical signs of disease, and his blood work has improved dramatically, now in normal ranges for most parameters. With such strides made, the 4-month-old was ready to return to his natural habitat," according to the statement.

“It has been such an honor to be a part of Northland's journey and we’ve seen tremendous growth during the time he’s spent here with us at Mystic Aquarium,” Sarah Callan, manager of Mystic Aquarium’s Animal Rescue Program, said in a statement. “It’s been a true, international team effort and I believe I speak for all of us when I say we are thrilled to see Northlands return to his ocean home in good health.”

To learn more about Mystic Aquarium’s Animal Rescue Program, visit their website.