Seal Rescued in Marshfield Released Back Into The Wild

For Immediate Release, May 31, 2023

PLYMOUTH, MA —

A young male grey seal that was rescued from Old Rexhame Beach in Marshfield in April was released back into Cape Cod Bay on the evening of Tuesday, May 23rd.  

After being rescued on April 3rd by Whale and Dolphin Conservation’s (WDC) Marine Animal Rescue and Response team, the seal was brought to the National Marine Life Center (NMLC) for rehabilitation. 

“We are incredibly grateful to our partners at Marshfield Animal Control for reporting the seal to our hotline, and to NMLC for the critical role they play in our stranding network,” said Sarah McCormack, WDC Stranding Coordinator. 

This seal was named “Smoky” for the “Great Smoky Mountains” by NMLC, in alignment with their current naming theme: National Parks. 

NMLC confirmed what WDC suspected on the beach: in addition to poor body condition, dehydration, and pneumonia, the animal exhibited a wound on its flipper, oral ulcers, parasites, and had ingested pebbles.

“With this long list of medical problems, we are happy that Smoky was able to make a full recovery,” says Lisa Becker, NMLC Director of Marine Wildlife Rehabilitation.  

“This was the first seal that WDC transferred to rehabilitation,” said McCormack. “Seeing him healthy and returned to his natural habitat was extremely rewarding for our team.” 

If you see a dolphin, whale, porpoise, or seal in distress from Weymouth through Plymouth, please call WDC’s hotline at (617) 688-6872.

High resolution images available HERE (©Whale and Dolphin Conservation)  

Whale and Dolphin Conservation (WDC),  is the leading international charity dedicated solely to the worldwide conservation and welfare of all whales, dolphins, and porpoises. WDC is authorized by NOAA to respond to stranded marine mammals through an agreement as part of the Greater Atlantic Regional Marine Mammal Stranding Network. 

Press contact: Sarah McCormack, Stranding Coordinator, [email protected]