The Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) admitted the first harbor seal pup of the season to the Wildlife Response Program on May 11, 2026. 

The male pup, estimated to be under one week old, was spotted alone on South Kenai Beach in Kenai, Alaska, with no adult seals nearby. Concerned community members contacted the Alaska SeaLife Center’s Stranded Marine Animal Hotline (1-888-774-7325) to report the animal and seek assistance. The ASLC team evaluated the situation and found the pup’s condition to be concerning, with the animal appearing orphaned, malnourished, and dehydrated. Following authorization from NOAA, ASLC volunteers responded and the animal was transported to the Alaska SeaLife Center in Seward by NOAA officers for immediate care and evaluation.

During the initial admit exam, the ASLC veterinary team identified several primary concerns, including poor body condition, malnourishment, dehydration, and concerning harsh breath sounds. The team is currently providing stabilizing care and conducting further diagnostics to better understand the severity of the pup’s condition. Updates on this pup’s condition will be shared on the Alaska SeaLife Center’s social media pages and website.

The arrival of the ASLC’s first harbor seal pup patient of the season serves as an important reminder that harbor seals across Alaska are currently in pupping season, and that human disturbance remains one of the most significant threats to young pups during this critical time.

“Harbor seal pups are extremely vulnerable during this early stage of life, especially during the critical window when the pup relies entirely on its mother for nutrition, immune support, and survival,” said Jane Belovarac, ASLC Wildlife Response Curator. “Minimizing disturbance from humans and pets during pupping season gives harbor seal pups the best chance of survival.”

The public can play an important role in helping wild seal pups thrive by giving them plenty of space and sharing coastal areas responsibly. If a harbor seal pup is approached too closely by a human or dog, the mother may abandon it, dramatically reducing the pup’s chance of survival. If you see a marine animal in Alaska that looks concerning, you can help by calling the ASLC’sStranded Marine Animal Hotline at 1-888-774-7325 for assistance. Remember, always call first before approaching any stranded or injured wildlife!

For the Alaska SeaLife Center’s Wildlife Response Program to be able to respond to stranded and injured marine animals, it depends on partnerships around the state and the collective support of donors, sponsors, and community members. Supporters can learn more and contribute to the ASLC Wildlife Response program at www.alaskasealife.org/donate. 

The Center acknowledges the ongoing generous support of the Wildlife Response Program from supporters such as ConocoPhillips Alaska, Partners 4 Wildlife, Alaska Collection, Stanley J Williams Fund, The Theresa Bannister Fund, M.E. Webber Foundation, and Mike Coffing.