January 22, 2015

A female Guadalupe fur seal rescued off a seawall at Carlsbad State Beach was returned to the ocean this morning with a satellite transmitter attached. SeaWorld animal rescuers came to the aid of the seal that was found thin with lacerations on her right side and in need of urgent medical care December 12, 2014.

Upon arrival at SeaWorld’s Animal Rescue Center, the adult weighed in at 80 pounds. SeaWorld animal caretakers and medical teams treated the seal with fluids, antibiotics and supportive care, which included a nutrient-rich diet of capelin, sardines and herring. The seal, whose weight has increased nearly 20 pounds while in SeaWorld’s care, was returned to the ocean at a healthy 98 pounds, able to forage for food on its own.

January 8, HSWRI Senior Research Scientist Dr. Brent Stewart outfitted the seal with a satellite transmitter. Dr. Stewart and fellow Senior Research Scientist Dr. Pam Yochem hope to track the seal’s movements at sea to learn more about where the species travels along with perhaps why. The transmitter will likely dislodge from the seal when she molts within the next six months or so. An adult male fur seal can grow to 6 feet and weigh up to 350 pounds. Females reach 4½ feet and weigh up to 100 pounds.

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Every day in local laboratories and outposts in far away lands, the scientists at Hubbs-Sea World Research Institute work toward ensuring that human and animal populations may share a vibrant and healthy environment. Our vision is a world that can sustain its rich biodiversity to ensure a lasting prosperity for future generations. But we need your help. Please help us in our quest to leave behind a world that is a little better than we found it by making a tax-deductible online contribution today by clicking on the Make a Donation button below. Or if you prefer, you may mail or fax your contribution to us by clicking here for a printable Donor Intent Form.

Whatever amount you can give and whatever area of HSWRI science you choose to support, your gift will truly make a difference. If you would like more information please E-mail solutions@hswri.org or call Eileen Sigler at 619-226-3881. Thank you. Together we will continue “to return to the sea some measure of the benefits derived from it.”

Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charity.