MERR Institute Transports Gray Seal Pup from Dover Docks to New York for Care

Image Courtesy of MERR Institute

DOVER, Del. – The Marine Education, Research & Rehabilitation (MERR) Institute helped rescue a gray seal pup found on a the end of a public dock in the St. Jones River on Monday evening.

Officials say the seal was spotted by a local fisher who was out catching minnows. Suzanne Thurman, Executive Director of the MERR Institute, rallied a small team who met with the caller, alongside a handful of local and state police officers. The group acted swiftly and carefully to capture the seal in a large crate, carrying him off of the dock and into their vehicle.

Upon arriving with the seal back at MERR’s main office, Thurman reportedly observed labored breathing and a reluctance to exit the crate, and ultimately decided to observe the seal overnight. After being examined by MERR veterinarian Scott Weber, it was determined that the seal should be held for further observation and treatment. Arrangements were made with the New York Marine Rescue Center (NYMRC) in Long Island, New York, to transport the seal early Wednesday, Apr. 29.

Image Courtesy of MERR Institute

“He was rather robust and fairly responsive, but there were just a few things about this seal that were concerning to us,” Thurman said in a statement. “We felt it was better for the welfare of the seal for him to receive additional veterinary treatment.”

In keeping with MERR’s naming theme of fonts, this seal was named ‘Franklin Gothic.’ Franklin will be later renamed by the NYMRC using their theme of crystals and gemstones.

This rescue follows MERR’s assistance with a female gray seal pup in Cape Henlopen less than two weeks prior.