Rescue & Rehab Journal

May 25, 2014

April, 21st 2015

A young harbor seal pup was found climbing onto boats in Softuk Bay, about 40 miles SE of Cordova. The pup was reported to the Alaska SeaLife Center's stranding hotline. After being monitored overnight, the seal was flown to Anchorage under the authorization of National Marine Fisheries Services. ASLC staff met the pup in Anchorage for its final transport to Seward for rehabilitation.

Thank you to Vivian and Jared Kennedy for providing the pup's flight from Softuk to Cordova!

May 26, 2014

April, 21st 2015

After a veterinary admit exam, the male pup seems to be in good health. He will be monitored closely, and have routine health exams to track his progress.

June 8, 2014

April, 21st 2015

A few days ago blood was seen in the pup's feces, so he has started medication so soothe his digestive system. He has been gaining weight smoothly enough that he spent a nice day outside, and has been actively swimming before feeds.

June 30, 2014

April, 21st 2015

The pup finally has a name, Stonehenge, after his usually stoic demeanor. Stoney is getting a push in the fish eating direction, staff are now only tubing him twice a day and will fish school him at all other feed times.

July 22, 2014

April, 21st 2015

No progress on the fish eating front yet, but staff continue to assist feed Stonehenge. He is maintaining a good body weight, but staff are hoping he will start eating fish on his own so he can move into a larger pool with other seals.

July 24, 2014

April, 21st 2015

Stonehenge is eating fish on his own!!! Staff have been moving him to a more secluded tote for feeds, and he has quickly transitioned from assist feeding, to eating half fish, to eating whole fish!

August 18, 2014

April, 21st 2015

Stonehenge had some salmon as part of his feed today. Chasing live fish is an important skill to get theses seals ready for release, and he did great!

August 28, 2014

April, 21st 2015

Stonehenge is gaining weight a little more slowly than the other seals because he took so long to eat fish. While the others are very close to release weight, Stoney is just tipping the scales at 19 kg. The goal release weight is 25 kg, so staff will begin to plan for his release sometime next month!

September 6, 2014

April, 21st 2015

It was an absolutely beautiful day today in Cordova, and Stonehenge couldn't wait to get in the water. Even though his kennel was opened second, he was first in the water, beating Vesuvius!! Good luck in the wild Stonehenge!!

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