Atlas the seal is going home!
Atlas the seal is going home!
In March, our Marine Mammal Rescue Team rescued a juvenile male gray seal entangled in a heavy fishing net.
The seal was first reported late in the evening. While unsafe to attempt a rescue in the dark, the team quickly deployed to assess the seal and made plans to return at first light. The following morning, he was seen swimming and struggling to stay afloat under the weight of the gear. The team sprang into action. With a capture net and pole hook at the ready, they carefully approached and collected him from the water, removing the gear on their way back to the dock.
The seal was then taken to the National Marine Life Center's rehabilitation hospital where IFAW’s veterinarian, Dr. Sarah Sharp, performed a full health assessment. The young seal was soon named Atlas, after the Titan forced to bear the weight of the heavens on his shoulders. Atlas remained at the NMLC for the remainder of his care.
During his rehabilitation Atlas more than doubled his weight from the time of rescue!
Mid-May, he was ready to be released! Atlas—named after the Titan forced to bear the weight of the heavens on his shoulders—appeared healthy, robust and wasted little time making his way back to his ocean home. We hope to see Atlas (here alongside seal pal, Chiron) utilize the productive waters throughout the Gulf of Maine. He may decide to travel to other regions as well. With a temporary, seal-friendly satellite tag, we’re excited to track his movements and see where he goes!
Other seals are not as lucky as Atlas and are hunt in Canada. Help us ending Canadian commercial seal hunt! Send a message to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to end government support for the commercial sealing industry.