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BIDDEFORD, Maine

UNE's Marine Animal Rehabilitation Center to hold a holiday seal release

The University of New England Marine Animal Rehabilitation Center (UNE/MARC) will be releasing a harbor seal, which was rescued at Marginal Way in Ogunquit, Maine.  The release will take place at Gilbert Place, Mile Stretch, Biddeford, Maine, on Sunday, December 23, 2012, at 11:00 a.m.  The release will be open to the public and provides a unique opportunity to observe local marine wildlife.  Sunday's release will be the last MARC seal release of 2012.

"Grattoni," a male harbor seal pup, was rescued by MARC on September 2nd, with a shoulder abscess, which, if left untreated, would have been life threatening, according to MARC staff.  His treatment included antibiotics, daily cleansings, and a surgical procedure to debride (clean out) the abscess to promote healing.

UNE/MARC is a not for profit organization.  To donate, sponsor or adopt a seal, or for more information about the seal release, visit MARC's website or call Shannon at 207-602-2750.  For more details on participating in MARC's December Days of Giving, visit the blog.

MARC merchandise will be available for purchase on the beach.  All proceeds go to the care of the animals undergoing rehabilitation.

Directions to Gilbert Place:  Take exit 32 (Biddeford exit), turn left onto Rte 111, go 1.3 mi, turn left onto Rte 1, Bear right on Alfred St, go 1 mi, turn right on Pool St, go 5.4 mi, bear left on Bridge Rd, go 0.6 mi, Bear left on Milestretch Rd, go 0.9 mi, turn right on Gilbert Pl, go 0.1 mi.  Park in the lot and follow path to the beach.
 

About the University of New England

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.