The Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) is now caring for a total of six harbor seal pups after the admission of several new patients in recent weeks. While one recent patient unfortunately had to be euthanized after several days of intensive veterinary care, the other pups are responding positively to individualized treatment and close monitoring from the veterinary and animal care teams. 

Two harbor seal pups arrived at the Alaska SeaLife Center less than 48 hours apart on June 5 & 6. PV2606, a male pup known as “Ichabod,” was reported near Fox River, Alaska, before PV2607, a female was found in Salamatof on June 5 (because patient numbers are assigned when an animal is first reported, they do not always match the order in which patients arrive at the Center). While PV2607 was admitted first, responders continued monitoring PV2606 and coordinating a safe rescue and transport plan. He arrived at the ASLC on June 6, one day later.

Unfortunately, while PV2606’s health was initially stable, his condition took a serious decline a few weeks after admit. Despite intensive care, he did not respond to treatment as hoped, and staff made the difficult decision to humanely euthanize the patient.

Harbor seal pup patient PV2608 was found orphaned and stuck in the mud near Tyonek, Alaska. Successfully recovering this pup from the remote area to the ASLC required coordination among several groups and individuals. The Tyonek Tribal Conservation District helped recover her, a family who first reported her (and also happened to be pilots traveling back to Anchorage that day), and the volunteers who provided transportation on the final leg of her journey from Anchorage to Seward made it possible for her to arrive at the ASLC on June 18, 2026 for rehabilitation. The pup was given antibiotics and cold laser therapy, and is undergoing additional ongoing treatment for her wounds.

PV2610, was found in extremely poor conditions in the harbor of Whittier, Alaska on July 7, 2026. The male pup, estimated to be under a month old, had several wounds and puncture points all over his body and was lethargic upon admit. Some wounds appear to be infected, and the veterinary team is providing stabilizing care.
 

While each case is still developing, staff remain cautiously optimistic that the new admits will all be candidates for release back to the wild. 

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 do see a marine animal in Alaska that looks concerning, you can help by calling the 24-hour Stranded Marine Animal Hotline at 1-888-774-7325 for assistance. Remember, always call first before approaching any stranded or injured wildlife!

For the 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.