Marine Mammal Stranding Center Treating Seal From Manasquan With Shark Bites

BRIGANTINE, NJ -- The weakened little male seal pup arrived at the Marine Mammal Stranding Center just a few days ago with shark bite wounds.

He's just one of eight seals the center is currently treating found stranded along the Jersey coast, according to nj.com.

"It had deep lacerations that had to be sutured shut and there's a bone in the slipper that was exposed," said Robert Schoelkopf, the center's founding director.

The gray seal pup was found in Manasquan and brought to the center on March 26. His condition is being monitored to make sure he makes a full recovery.

The nonprofit organization is also treating other stranded seals, including a adult harp seal found on Holgate Beach in Long Beach Island.

Each seal recovers in its own time, depending upon the problem, so predictions about release dates can't be predicted, Schoelkopf said.

But the exact date and time of releases are announced on Facebook. So far, the center has rescued roughly 4,800 whales, dolphins, seals and sea turtles over the years.

The Marine Mammal Stranding Center (MMSC), the only marine mammal stranding facility in New Jersey, is dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of stranded or otherwise stressed marine mammals and sea turtles. The MMSC is a private, not for profit 501(c)(3) organization that relies on public support to continue its lifesaving and educational work.

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Image: Marine Mammal Stranding Center