Year-End Seal Rescue on Mantoloking Beach Gives Marine Mammal a New Start

A harbor seal found on the Mantoloking beachfront Dec. 30, 2024. (Photo: MMSC)

Her trip south for the winter ran into a snag, but thanks to a mix of volunteers and professional caregivers, one tired marine mammal looks to have gotten over the hump and will be ready to tackle the ocean again soon.

The Marine Mammal Stranding Center had one last rescue earlier this week – a female harbor seal who was found on the beach in Mantoloking on Tuesday. According to MMX, when the organization’s stranding team arrived, they found the underweight harbor seal suffering from swelling in her left rear flipper, abrasions on her right rear flipper, and an injured left eye. The approximately two-year-old seal was likely born in the spring of 2023, biologists believe.

The seal was immediately transported to MMSC’s facility in Brigantine for medical treatment and supportive care. Upon her arrival, staff administered fluids and flushed out her wounds, and MMSC’s veterinarian performed a full medical examination including bloodwork for further diagnostics. Oral medications and antibiotic eye drops have been started to prevent infection of her wounds.

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“The subadult seal, who weighed 80lbs at intake, is resting comfortably in Pen 1 of the Pool House,” the organization reported. “She is currently being assist-fed by the stranding technicians.”

In the vast majority of cases, seals and other marine mammals assisted by the stranding center are rehabilitated and released back into the wild – sometimes the bay, sometimes the ocean – where they resume their lives.

MMSC said in its statement that 2024 was arguably the center’s busiest year ever, and asked those who are able to donate to do so.