A Seal Pup Returns to Tokeland

 

Back in June, we introduced you to an orphaned Harbor Seal pup from Tokeland, WA here on the PAWS Blog. I'm happy to report that, after spending a little over eight weeks in our care, the seal is once again swimming free in the Pacific Ocean. I took him on his 160+ mile return trip on August 1, and he re-entered the wild on a small, quiet stretch of beach just a few hundred yards from where he was found. A small group of well-wishers watched the release. Among them was Dora, who had discovered the orphaned pup on the beach when he was a starving newborn.

Although he had grown into a rotund, 55-pound, independent juvenile, the seal was still a bit timid when his carrier door was opened. After sniffing in all directions, he undulated forward to test the water.

The seal made one full circle around his release carrier, arriving back at the door. He paused and then went back inside.

The seal exited and re-entered the carrier several more times. On each foray he travelled a little bit farther, sometimes in the water and sometimes on the beach.

Eventually the call of the ocean was too strong to resist. When I last saw him he was about 100 yards from shore, diving, resurfacing and clearly enjoying his newfound freedom.

 

Comments

[Susan Mullen]

Kevin, thanks so much for this post! The photos are great -- very encouraging and positive for those of us who remain on shore.

[Animalloving Blogger]

Awweee, this is such a cutie pie over here, such a sweet and touching story, seals are so adorable, I love them so so much! Million thanks for this post!