Gray Seal Pup found Tangled in Mesh at Cape Henlopen State Park

Image Courtesy of MERR Institute

CAPE HENLOPEN, Del. – The Marine Education, Research & Rehabilitation (MERR) Institute assisted a gray seal pup at Cape Henlopen State Park after she was found tangled in a mesh bag on Monday morning.

A concerned beachgoer spotted the female pup and reported her condition directly to MERR. Volunteers and concerned members of the public managed to prevent the seal from re-entering the ocean until the Institute’s rescue team could arrive with the proper material.

Officials say the seal was taken to MERR’s facility for disentanglement and wound care, where veterinarians were able to successfully remove the rope and treat her neck wound. The seal was entangled with the line from a mesh bag that appeared to be the kind used to carry live bait. She was subsequently transferred to the National Aquarium triage center in Ocean City for additional care.

The seal has been dubbed “Wing Ding Verdana,” in accordance with MERR’s seal naming theme of “fonts” this year.

If you encounter a seal, please maintain a distance of 150 feet from the animal, abide by directions from MERR volunteers, and please call 302-226-5029.