Celebrated Seal Pup Chappy's Prognosis Still Guarded: Mystic Aquarium

NEW HAVEN, CT — The celebrated seal who galumphed his way onto Chapel Street in New Haven and into the hearts of a nation has taken a turn, the Mystic Aquarium reported late Tuesday afternoon.

"As of today, Chappy's immune system is showing signs of weakness. Like human babies, young seal pups are more susceptible to infections as their immune system has not reached its full strength. He's being treated by our veterinarians for pneumonia and gastrointestinal issues," the Aquarium wrote on its Instagram page. "Our rescue team is currently providing world-class care to him, and we will continue to provide updates. Join us in sending good vibes for Chappy."

Then late Wednesday, the Aquarium noted that while he was showing "signs of improvement," his "condition is still guarded."

Original story:

The choice on the naming poll included Tyler, the police officer who first found the confused and underweight gray seal pup and River, because that's from whence he likely roamed. But in the end, the naming poll held by New Haven police saw voters deciding where he was found would be best: Chapel Street. So, the young gray seal is now bring called Chappy.

And even better news: Chappy just ate his first fish!
"Chappy, the seal pup that was rescued last week from the city streets of New Haven has started eating fish for the first time! This is a great step in his rehab as he continues to put on weight."

You can view video of Chappy as shared by Mystic Aquarium here.
How it got to where it was found by police on Chapel Street is unknown. But the weaning gray seal who "wandered from the beach to a potentially dangerous situation," is just a few weeks old, severely underweight and dehydrated but is being cared for at the Mystic Aquarium's Animal Rescue Clinic, according to aquarium spokesperson Cat McElhaney.

Likely not in search of a clam pie, the seal was located on the icy avenue in Fair Haven Sunday. New Haven police took to social media to share that the unusual visitor was in their custody, with state wildlife officials en route.

Tuesday morning, McElhaney said in an emailed statement that the Aquarium's veterinary team found the infant seal to be "lethargic, dehydrated, and in thin condition, weighing only 28 pounds." At birth, gray seals weigh on average 35 pounds and while under care, this pup will be nursed on high fat milk for about three weeks. It was put on "fluid therapy and an individualized treatment plan," including a diet of diluted fish fluid formula "to provide him with nutrition so he can heal and grow," per the Aquarium statement.

"The goal for this sea, along with every other rescued marine mammal and sea turtle patient, is to release the seal back to its ocean home once he is healthy and strong," McElhaney wrote.
Gray seals are federally protected by the Marine MammaI Protection Act.

"Mystic Aquarium is pleased to have rescued this misdirected young seal in need of help, and looks forward to hopefully returning the seal to the ocean in the months ahead," said Dr. Allison Tuttte, Mystic Aquarium's Chief Zoological Officer. "We are proud to provide marine mammal response, rescue, and rehabilitation for the state of Connecticut, and help marine animals in need."

The Aquarium also noted the assistance of the New Haven Police Department and the state Department of Energy & Environmental Protection, who were also on scene.
The Mystic Aquarium responds to marine mammals and sea turtles in need of help across 1,000 miles of coastline in Connecticut, Rhode lsland, and Fishers Island, New York.

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