CHARLESTOWN, R.I. (WPRI) — Two juvenile gray seals returned to the ocean Tuesday after undergoing treatment with Mystic Aquarium's Animal Rescue Program.

The seals, named Victor and Zuma, were both rescued from Block Island back in August after the aquarium said they were found on the beach with severe wounds to their hind flippers.

Mystic's veterinary team had to perform partial digit amputations on both seals' hind flippers after diagnostic imaging revealed the seals had several fractures and exposed bone that had become infected.

Both seals are still fully able to swim and have made "remarkable improvements" after weeks of treatment.

The aquarium said Block Island has seen a recent influx of seals and a sharp rise in entanglements and other injuries. In 2024, 25 seals were admitted

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