Seal Pup Rescued from Smith Point
Volume 49, Issue 2
By April Jimenez

Smith Point County Beach Park lifeguards called on rescuers from the Riverhead Foundation for Marine Research and Preservation to save a baby harbor seal struggling just off the shore on Saturday, May 28. The seal was found on the main bathing beach in front of the TWA flight 800 memorial, according to Riverhead Foundation rescue program director Kim Durham.
Biologists from the foundation rescued the pup, which was two-and-a-half feet long, weighed 20 pounds and still had its umbilical cord attached. Researchers estimated the pup was three days old at the time he was rescued and was most likely abandoned.
“Usually we would let him be for a while and see if the mother came back, but we didn’t have that option with the amount of people expected for the [Memorial Day] weekend,” said Durham.
The seal will be hand-reared by the staff for the next four weeks at which time fish will be introduced into his diet.
“He is doing really well. We are nursing him full formula right now – it is the equivalent to Pedialyte,” said Durham.
For now though, the seal pup is being kept from the 17 other seals and pups in the nursery because he hasn't yet developed the anti-bodies he would have from nursing. The precaution is being taken to protect him from infection.
Complete care is anticipated to take a minimum of three months; the foundation’s ultimate goal is to release the pup back into the wild.
Fortunately, this particular pup's chance of survival is good and he is expected to make a full recovery.
The Riverhead Foundation for Marine Research and Preservation, which also houses the Atlantis Marine World, is located at 467 East Main Street, Riverhead. The Riverhead Foundation is a not-for-profit organization responsible for administering New York State's only marine mammal and sea turtle rescue and rehabilitation program. The foundation can be reached at 631-369-9840 and the 24-hour emergency hotline can be reached at 631-369-9829.