Rescue & Rehab Journal

August 6, 2014

May, 5th 2015

A young harbor seal was found late yesterday afternoon on the beach in front of a resort in Homer, AK. The pup was monitored overnight by ASLC stranding network volunteers. No adult seals were found nearby and the pup had sustained some injuries. This morning the pup was transferred to Seward for rehabilitation at ASLC.

August 9, 2014

May, 5th 2015

After rehydrating the pup with an electrolyte solution, he was offered live fish in a pool. The pup is estimated to be about 8 weeks old and should be weaned, but is having trouble eating on his own.

August 14, 2014

May, 5th 2015

The male pup has been given the name Bryce, after Bryce Canyon National Park. Bryce also has recently begun eating fish on his own!

August 20, 2014

May, 5th 2015

Bryce's wounds are healing nicely, but staff have noticed something else unusal about Bryce. A veterinary exam has confirmed he has limited to no vision. We expect the loss of vision is due to trauma, which with treatment and time could be regained.

September 5, 2014

May, 5th 2015

So far staff haven't seen any improvement in Bryce's sight. Despite his disability, Bryce is able to forage for fish in his pool using his whiskers to feel them. He is eating well and is otherwise healthy.

September 23, 2014

May, 5th 2015

Bryce saw a veterinary ophthalmologist this week, which is an eye doctor for animals. Staff learned that his pupils are responsive to light, which is reassuring news.

October 19, 2014

May, 5th 2015

Staff have begun to notice that Bryce reacts to a change in brightness of light!

November 1, 2014

May, 5th 2015

Bryce continues to gain wait, and remains healthy. He now weighs over 25 kg, which is about 55 lbs.

November 27, 2014

May, 5th 2015

Happy Thanksgiving! Bryce continues to do well, despite his lack of vision. No notable improvements have been seen. Unfortunately this likely means Bryce won't ever regain his sight.

December 18, 2014

May, 5th 2015

Since Bryce isn't able to see, he would have a hard time finding prey in the open ocean. He also would be an easy target for any predators. Because of this, Bryce is a poor release candidate and will be placed in a permanent facility that is permitted by National Marine Fisheries Service to house harbor seals. 

January 1, 2015

May, 5th 2015

Since Bryce will be living under the care of humans, ASLC staff has been teaching him some basic behaviors. These behaviors will help him adjust to his new home and reduce stress when he moves. He'll be living at ASLC until NMFS approves a permanent home.

January 17, 2015

May, 5th 2015

Bryce is doing very well with his training! Staff are getting him used to going in and out of a dog kennel, so when he travels to his new home he will be comfortable and familiar with the kennel.

February 7, 2015

May, 5th 2015

NMFS has found a home for Bryce. He will be moving to a facility in California, where they are already caring for an adult female harbor seal that is also blind. Bryce should be in good company! His anticipated moving date is at the end of the month.

February 28, 2015

May, 5th 2015

Bryce is in sunny California! He flew overnight and arrived at his new home early this morning. The transport went without a hitch, and he is adjusting well to his new surroundings.

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