Spotted seal pup is a ‘rare’ rescue patient at Alaska SeaLife Center

In June, the Alaska SeaLife Center admitted a male spotted seal pup to its Wildlife Response Program. According to an Oct. 16 press release from ASLC, fewer than 10 spotted seals have ever been admitted to the facility.

A community member called the ASLC’s Stranded Marine Animal Hotline after spotting the malnourished and lethargic seal pup on a busy public beach in Nome. After determining the species of the pup, ASLC carefully began its response.

In rescue situations involving any of Alaska’s four species of “ice seals” — spotted, ringed, ribbon and bearded — ASLC must follow a precautionary non-release policy developed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Ice Seal Committee. ASLC’s response requires their respect for Indigenous communities who rely on ice seal