Union Leader covers harp seal recovering at Marine Animal Rehabilitation Center

The Union Leader (Manchester, N.H.) on March 28, 2011 published a story on an underweight and unhealthy harp seal that was rescued from a Portsmouth marsh by New England Aquarium staff for rehabilitation at UNE's Marine Animal Rehabilitation Center (MARC). 

Shannon Prendiville, MARC animal technician, told the newspaper that the seal, since named "Andy" by the center staff, was lethargic, dehydrated and had a high sodium level. All three ailments are common in rescued seals, she said. 

So far this year, seven harp seals have been treated by the MARC, which is unusual since harp seals typically live in Arctic areas off the maritime provinces of Canada. Keith Matassa, MARC coordinator, said climate change and less ice in Arctic areas appear to be factors.

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The University of New England is Maine’s largest independent university, with two beautiful coastal campuses in Maine, a one-of-a-kind study abroad campus in Tangier, Morocco, and an array of flexible, accredited online degrees. In an uncommonly welcoming and supportive community, we offer hands-on learning, empowering students to make a positive impact in a world full of challenges. The state’s top provider of health professionals, we are home to Maine’s only medical college, Maine’s only dental college, a variety of other interprofessionally aligned health care degree programs, as well as nationally recognized programs for marine science degrees, natural and social sciences degrees, arts and humanities degrees, and business degrees.