Elmer, Abandoned Seal Pup Headed To Zoo Or Aquarium After Recovery

PALOS VERDES, CA — Elmer, the harbor seal pup that was discovered on the shore of Palos Verdes when he was just days old, is headed for a zoo or an aquarium after his recovery, the Marine Mammal Care Center said.

The team at the care center reported he was recovering well in August, though staff said they noticed Elmer had strange habits that were different from other pups his age.

"As Elmer got older, it became clear that something wasn’t quite right. Unlike other seals his age, he had no interest in or ability to catch fish — a key skill he would need to survive on his own," CEO John Warner said.

According to Warner, the care center's veterinary experts discovered Elmer developed bilateral cataracts, which rendered him blind in both eyes.

Newborn pups are extremely vulnerable to health and nutrition issues, and since Elmer was separated from his mother so early with the umbilical cord still attached to him, that posed a unique risk to his health, according to MMCC hospital director Doctor Lauren Palmer.

"You can take comfort in knowing that blind harbor seals can go on to live full lives, but as you can imagine, returning to the wild isn’t a viable option for Elmer," Warmer said.

The MMCC said that Elmer's next stop will be a zoo or an aquarium that will adopt him and take over his permanent care. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration will lead the search to find the perfect home for Elmer.

No information about where Elmer would go was available as officials are still conducting the search.

"Elmer's inspirational story reminds us of the importance and resilience of wild animals. He was only a few days old when we rescued him, making his chances of survival low; however, because of your support, Elmer gets a second chance at life," Warner said.

To donate to the MMCC to help with Elmer's recovery as well as support the treatment of other patients under the facility's care visit the organization's website.