SANDWICH – The National Marine Life Center released two rehabilitated gray seals back into the water at Scusset Beach Sunday.
The two weanlings, named Saco and Pemigewasset, were rescued in March in Seabrook, New Hampshire after they washed ashore during the winter storms.
“They’re young seals, they’re very naïve, and they’re not as good as older seals at handling the elements and all the dangers that are out there,” said Kathy Zagzebski, the Director of the National Marine Life Center.
The seals were suffering from dehydration, malnutrition, infections, and parasites. Officials at the Buzzards Bay center spent over two months nursing the animals back to health.
“We’ve been giving them fluids to rehydrate them, teaching them how to eat fish, and treating their infections and medical conditions,” Zagzebski said.
Saco, who garnered plenty of attention on social media, was rescued after ending up in a roadway during one of the storms. He was picked up by the Seacoast Science Center in New Hampshire and was transferred to Buzzards Bay for treatment.
Pemigewasset was rescued a few days later amid similar conditions.
A large crowd of onlookers gathered for the release, which was the first of the year for the National Marine Life Center. 3 more seals are currently being rehabilitated at the center.
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