Stranded Seal Pup Rescued From Island Beach State Park

SEASIDE PARK, NJ — Another Gray seal pup has been rescued by the Marine Mammal Stranding Center, although the young animal had an eventful journey from Island Beach State Park to Brigantine.

The baby seal was first spotted on Feb. 8 near the inlet jetty, and a MMSC volunteer who lives locally was dispatched to assess the pup's condition and observe his behavior, the center shared on social media.

When the seal didn't leave the beach the next day, MMSC staff arrived to take him to Brigantine.

"This pup had an eventful transport as 20 miles from the Center the Stranding truck blew a transmission line on the Garden State Parkway," MMSC wrote.

The technician driving was able to pull over onto a wide shoulder, and the center's stranding coordinator immediately responded with their other truck.

With the help of state troopers, the seal (still asleep in his crate) was safely transferred onto the other truck and continued his journey to the center.

The seal, about four to six weeks old, is underweight and has a small wound on the side of his head, MMSC staff said. He weighed 36 pounds upon intake.

The center is asking for further help and donations following the truck's accident.

"With the height of Grey seal pup season upon us, this is the worst possible time to be down to only one 4 wheel drive pickup truck as we often need to drive on the beach to access stranded seals," the center said.

Donations can be made via the MMSC website. You can see the latest updates on their seal patients here.

Further Reading

Seal Pup Rescued From Road In Point Pleasant Beach

Seal Pup Rescued After Strolling Down Ocean City's Streets