[VIDEO] Mystic Aquarium Releases 2 Seals in Charlestown

Mystic Aquarium’s animal rescue team released two 5-month-old harbor seal pups, Hershey and Brunswick, into the waters of Charlestown Breachway State Beach today.

Both Hershey, a female, and Brunswick, a male, were rescued in Maine and spent a brief period of time undergoing rehabilitation at the University of New England’s Marine Animal Rehabilitation Center in Biddeford, Maine, before being transferred to Mystic Aquarium’s Seal Rescue Clinic.

Hershey was rescued on May 28 and came to Mystic Aquarium on June 4. A thin, dehydrated, abandoned pup, she was treated with supportive fluid therapy and antibiotics.

Brunswick was rescued on July 2 and came to Mystic Aquarium on July 16. He arrived as a weanling and was thin, dehydrated, hypoglycemic and mildly anemic. He also had an open wound on his neck and an infection in his eye, both of which have healed well. During his rehabilitation, he received supportive fluid and dextrose therapy, antibiotics, eye ointments, and daily topical wound treatment.

Susan Sullivan of Ledyard, Conn., was a special member of Mystic Aquarium’s animal rescue team on Tuesday. Sullivan was the highest bidder at the Seals on the Rocks fundraiser in June, allowing her the unique opportunity to accompany the animal rescue team during release preparation in the Seal Rescue Clinic and on the drive to the beach. She will open Hershey’s carrier to release her back into the ocean.

Mystic Aquarium’s 3- to 5-year-old Sea School students attended the release after learning about the rescue and release process from the animal rescue team. They made farewell signs for the occasion, and were joined by family and friends. Sea School is the nation’s only aquarium-based licensed preschool program.

Mystic Aquarium’s Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Stranding Program supports animals in need and educates the public about the marine environment and its inhabitants. The public is encouraged to call the aquarium’s 24-hour hotline at 860.572.5955 ext. 107 if they encounter a marine mammal or sea turtle in Connecticut, Rhode Island or Fishers Island, N.Y.

About Mystic Aquarium
Mystic Aquarium is a division of Sea Research Foundation, Inc., a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization, and is counted among the nation’s leading aquariums with more than 300 species and an extensive collection of marine mammals, including New England’s only beluga whales. Mystic Aquarium has been a pioneer in offering guests a variety of up close encounters with a wide range of marine animals. The mission of Sea Research is to inspire people to care for and protect our ocean planet through education, research and exploration. Sea Research receives major support from United Technologies Corporation, The Coca-Cola Company and Foxwoods Resort Casino. Learn more at www.mysticaquarium.org or www.searesearch.org.

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