Rachel Carseal and Ralph Waldo Emerseal are here!

­­Rachel Carseal, our third harbor pup seal of the 2017 harbor seal pupping season, was named after the legendary marine biologist, environmentalist, and writer Rachel Carson. After being stranded on Chebeague Island, Maine, the Marie Mammals of Maine brought her to us on May 23^rd for examination and rehabilitation. She came in weighting 8.7 kg (19.18 lbs) and spanning 67 cm (26.38 in) with oral ulcers, low oxygen levels, and low sodium levels. Since May, she has been given fluids, antibiotics, and pup formula to help speed recovery. She now weighs 11.5 kg (25.35 lbs) and is starting to learn how to hold her breath underwater and recognize fish as food!

Next to Rachel, you can always find our third harbor pup seal of the season, Ralph Waldo Emerseal. Named after Ralph Waldo Emerson, a transcendentalist poet and philosopher, he was found stranded in Harpswell, Maine and rescued by the Marine Mammals of Maine. He arrived May 23^rd as well, weighing 8.6 kg (18.96 lbs) and spanning 78 cm (30.71 in). Ralph arrived with many health issues such as oral ulcers, sneezing, bronchitis, low oxygen levels, and low sodium, but has since improved. After a few weeks of fluids, antibiotics, and pup formula he currently weighs about 10.5 kg (23.15 lbs) and is doing well. Along with Rachel, he has been learning how to swim and recognize fish as food.

Posted by Christina M.

Christina is a Summer, 2017 Intern at the National Marine Life Center. She has just graduated Rutgers University, where she majored in Marine Biology.