Shark-Bitten Seal Released At Sandy Hook Sept. 7

SANDY HOOK GATEWAY NATIONAL RECREATION AREA — Yet another seal that was bitten by a shark was released back into the ocean last week at Sandy Hook.

“Luna Lovegood," a female grey seal was released by the animal rescue team from the National Aquarium in Baltimore last Thursday, Sept. 7 at Gateway National Recreation Area. Luna was found stranded in Ocean City, Maryland on May 23 and she spent all summer rehabilitating at the National Aquarium’s Animal Care Center.

She was found to be suffering from pneumonia and lacerations due to potential bite wounds and further examination also revealed dehydration and a case of lungworms.

Luna was given antibiotics and a special diet and she gained 20 pounds under their care.

Sandy Hook is the preferred spot for many animal rescue groups to release seals, because their beaches are secluded and usually not crowded with people. The Brigantine, NJ- based Marine Mammal Stranding Center released four seals at Sandy Hook this past July: One had been bitten by a shark. Another was found in Barnegat Bay, where it had been hit by a motor boat and had to have its flipper amputated. The National Aquarium team from Baltimore were also at Sandy Hook in July, when they released a male harbor seal nicknamed "Phil."

Watch Luna's Release!

Luna was named in accordance with the aquarium's animal rescue theme this year, which is "Harry Potter."

Past Patch reporting: Watch Seals Being Released At Sandy Hook

Seals Released At Sandy Hook Beach In April