This morning, Avery and I got to experience something new and incredible! We got to watch as rehabilitated Harbor Seal, Luna, was released back into the wild!
We arrived at Blue Shutters Beach just in time! Luna had arrived, and they were just waiting on her veterinarians before releasing her. We had a chance to hear a bit of her story, and learn a little about Harbor Seals, while getting some cute photos!
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Luna was very excited to get the show on the road! We took a few minutes to learn about her, and Harbor Seals in general.
From the Mystic Aquarium Rescue Team:
Luna is an approximately 1-year-old female harbor seal rescued from South Thomaston, ME, on May 21, 2014 by the Marine Mammals of Maine. She was determined to be an abandoned pup about 2-3 days old when rescued. During her rehabilitation, she was treated for dehydration and persistent corneal problems in both eyes. Almost a year later we are proud to say that she has healed well and is finally ready for release!! She weighed 21 lbs. when admitted and now weighs more than 68 lbs.!
The team brought Luna down to the beach, where we heard a bit more about her story.
Then it was release time!! It was amazing to watch as Luna left her cage, and made her way down to the water.
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You could tell that she was both nervous and excited as she made her way out of the cage.
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Luna is a beautiful one-year-old Harbor Seal.
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Heading down the sand, towards the water.
She had a bit of trouble getting past the waves, but eventually she made it…
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Go, Luna, Go!! We all cheered when she made her way to the water!
And popped her head up as if to say “Goodbye, and thank you!!”
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Goodbye Luna!!
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Mystic Aquarium Animal Rescue Team
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Avery wanted to stay at the beach just in case Luna came back.
Avery was a little sad to watch Luna go, but after a bit of explanation she was happy to know that Luna was heading back home to her family and friends! Thank you to Mystic Aquarium’s Animal Rescue Team for all the do to help these animals! I’m so happy that we live close enough to experience these events, and to visit the Aquarium often!
For more information about Mystic Aquarium’s Animal Rescue Team, and to learn what to do if you encounter a stranded or injured animal click HERE
If you live in the area and would like to know when these incredible experiences will take place, click HERE to join the mailing list (select “I want to be notified of seal releases”)
I have to say, the kid has a point. I was a little sad seeing the picture of this little 1-year old all alone heading out into the unknown. I mean, what if Luna can’t find her family? What if she has to travel the EAC to be reunited? Assure Avery that if Marlin can find Nemo, Luna will find her family!
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Haha Jen!!! Avery’s words were “I am ANGRY! And the seal is MAD!” She really thought, for awhile, that they were “getting rid of her” It took a bit for me to explain what rescue and rehabilitation and release meant. (She’s 3 so it’s quite a big concept haha) While we were leaving she tried explaining to one of the rescuers that Luna was going to find her baby brother and baby sister and mom and dad and grandma and grandpa.Mother’s Day Style For Kids
It made me even more excited for all the things she’s going to learn at SeaSchool!
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