Harbor Seal, "Hastings"

This juvenile male harbor seal was stranded along the Atlantic coast of Maryland, in the town of Ocean City, on January 15, 2010. The Aquarium's Marine Animal Rescue Program (MARP) responded, and the seal was admitted to the National Aquarium for rehabilitation.  

Upon admission, the seal was underweight, severely dehydrated, mildly emaciated, and medically compromised due to a wound behind the left front flipper.

In addition to the wound, he was found to have an upper respiratory infection and a mild case of pneumonia at the time of being admitted for rehab.

The seal, called Hastings, was treated with antibiotics for several weeks, and his wound was treated every three days for two weeks.

Hastings responded well to treatment and was soon interacting with enrichment devices, the animal equivalent of toys, and eagerly eating.

While in rehab, Hastings gained nearly 20 pounds on a daily diet of herring and capelin.

He was offered enrichment items to interact with, like frozen fishcicles and a holey bucket with fish inside, to encourage natural feeding behaviors. 

On May 13, a healthy Hastings was returned to Ocean City for release back to his natural environment.

Prior to release, MARP staff affixed a satellite transmitter to his back, which will fall off when the seal molts (similar to when a dog sheds its fur).

The transmitter will allow us to track and monitor the animal post-release, and will help scientists to understand the migration and feeding patterns of these animals.

Many of the animals admitted to the Aquarium require extensive care in our hospital facilities for as long as six months or more. Medical equipment, medications, and food for these animals is expensive. Your donation today will help with the rehabilitation of marine animals. »Donate to MARP

• Track Hastings' Progress