Rescue & Rehab Journal

May 27, 2016

June, 3rd 2016

PV1604 is the first female Pacific harbor seal of the year to be admitted to Alaska SeaLife Center’s Wildlife Response program. She was seen hopping from boat to boat in Cordova and was eventually picked up by fishermen, then returned to Cordova by the fish tender. From there she was flown to Anchorage and transported to Seward for admission to the ASLC program. PV1604 was estimated be approximately one day old when admitted, and so is spending time eating a milk-based formula. After her digestive system further develops, she will transition to a fish-based formula, and then graduate to catching and eating real fish after attending fish school under the guidance of ASLC program staff. Fish school is a vital stage in a seal pup’s development if it is to be released back into the wild. The goal is that all pups entering Alaska SeaLife Center’s Wildlife Response program graduate from this important stage of development in order to progress to the point of being self-sufficient and fit for release back into the ocean.

August 26, 2016

August, 26th 2016

PV1604 pup was named Qiteq (pron. key-tuck), which is the Alutiiq word for Rain. Wildlife Response Program staff continued to work with Qiteq to build stamina and athleticism in preparation for release one day. She was transitioned to fish-based formula and eventually graduated from fish school, which entailed not only eating but also catching live fish; an important step in preparing to return to the wild. The Wildlife Response Team monitored Qiteq's progress closely and, after being with the Alaska SeaLife Center since May 27, determined that she was at the proper weight and fitness level and ready for release after her final veterinary examination on August 23rd, 2016. Last night, on August 25, Qiteq was released by the ASLC Wildlife Response Program staff back to the ocean in Cordova, Alaska, the area where she was found, with community members on site gathered to wish her well. Safe travels, Qiteq!

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