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Sadie
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Phoca hispida
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Tracking Map
(COMING SOON)
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Tracking Data
(COMING SOON) |
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On April 15th, a ringed seal pup (Phoca hispida)
was spotted near Sadie Creek, southwest of Kotzebue, Alaska.
He was observed moving inland, more then 1½ miles
away from the coast. There was no mother in sight. Local
residents became concerned for the pup; he was collected
and brought to the Fish and Wildlife Service in Selawick,
AK. Alaska Airlines donated airfare and cargo space and
preparations were made to fly the pup to Anchorage. Members
of the Alaska SeaLife Center's (ASLC) rehabilitation department
transported the pup from Anchorage to ASLC, where he was
named "Sadie." Dr. Natalie Noll examined Sadie
and conducted blood work, and took morphometrics (measurements
of overall body size). She determined that Sadie was a healthy,
6.7 kg, 7-10 day old, ringed seal. Sadie was placed on a
diet of formula consisting of milk matrix (a zoological
milk substitute), salmon oil, vitamins and minerals. Sadie
was also given antibiotics to fight off any infections he
may have previously had or acquired in his travels.
On July 11, 2001 Sadie demonstrated that
he had mastered foraging skills and received a final clean
bill of health. Prior to release, Sadie was fitted with
a satellite telemetry device. This "tag" will
monitor dive time, depth, and location. Through satellite
communication, research and education staff will be able
to follow Sadie through his natural environment. Sadie was
flown to Point Krusenstern near Kotzebue, accompanied by
ASLC staff members Dr. Natalie Noll and Susan Inglis. After
spending three months in the Alaska SeaLife Center's rehabilitation
department, Sadie has returned to his native marine waters.
