Marine Animal Rehabilitation Center releases four rehabilitated seals

The University of New England Marine Animal Rehabilitation Center (MARC) on May 15, 2011 released four rehabilitated seals at a location along the Biddeford coast.

The seals included three harp seals (a baby, a juvenile and an adult) and a grey seal pup. The baby harp seal, named 'Stef,' was released with a satellite tag so that her travels can be monitored. (Watch a WGME13 news video of the release.)

Despite rain, about 250 people attended the release, including school children from the RSU 21 school district in Kennebunk/Arundel who have been collecting bottles for the Clynk Community Cash program that goes directly towards the care of the animals at MARC.

Released seals

"Irving"
MARC 11-020 Pg
Harp Seal
Phoca groenlandica
Arrival Date: 4/22/2011
Stranded At: South Portland, Maine
Rescued by: Maine Department of Marine Resources
Gender: Male
Age: Adult
Reason for Rehabilitation:
Lethargic, dehydrated, malnourished
Release Weight: 222 lbs (100.70 kg)
Release Length: 65 in (165.00 cm)
Release Date: 5/15/2011

"Harriet"
MARC 11-016 Pg
Harp Seal
Phoca groenlandica
Arrival Date: 4/4/2011
Stranded At: Long Sands, Maine
Rescued by: Maine Department of Marine Resources
Gender: Female
Age: Yearling (1-2 yrs.)
Reason for Rehabilitation:
Hypernatremic, hypoglycemic, lethargic
Release Weight: 93 lbs (42.40 kg)
Release Length: 39 in (98.00 cm)
Release Date: 5/15/2011

"Baby Ruth"
MARC 11-015 Hg
Grey Seal
Halichoerus grypus
Arrival Date: 4/3/2011
Stranded At: Ogunquit, Maine
Rescued by: Maine Department of Marine Resources
Gender: Female
Age: Pup (< 1 yr.)
Reason for Rehabilitation:
Underweight, chin injury, on beach for several days
Release Weight: 55 lbs (24.80 kg)
Release Length: 41 in (105.00 cm)
Release Date: 5/15/2011

"Stef"
MARC 11-005 Pg
Harp Seal
Phoca groenlandica
Arrival Date: 2/24/2011
Stranded At: Sprucehead, Maine
Rescued by: Maine Department of Marine Resources
Gender: Female
Age: Pup (< 1 yr.)
Reason for Rehabilitation:
Maternal Separation
Release Weight: 86 lbs (39.30 kg)
Release Length: 42 in (106.00 cm)
Release Date: 5/15/2011