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A juvenile harbor seal was stranded Dec. 28, 2010, south of Little Island Fishing Pier in Sandbridge. He was named Puddy for team volunteers Peg and Buddy who initially monitored his behavior on the beach. The small seal was found with shark bites on the left side of its body. The next day, Puddy was taken to the aquarium's Marine Animal Care Center, where staff administered fluids, antibiotics, topical treatment for his wounds and nutritional support. (Courtesy of the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center)
Members of the Virginia Aquarium's Stranding Response Team release juvenile harbor seal Puddy and guide him to the water at First Landing State Park in Virginia Beach on Friday, Jan. 28, 2011. Picked up in Sandbridge, Puddy has spent the last month healing from shark bites on the left side of his body and gaining 13 pounds. (Stephen M. Katz | The Virginian-Pilot)
After being cleared by the Virginia aquarium's veterinarian for release back into his natural habitat, Puddy slips into the water from the beach at First Landing State Park on Friday, Jan. 28, 2011, after a month rehabilitation. (Stephen M. Katz | The Virginian-Pilot)
Rehabilitated harbor seal Puddy glances back to shore and the dozens of spectators and members of the Virginia aquarium's Stranding Response Team at First Landing State Park where he was released Friday, Jan. 28, 2011. (Stephen M. Katz | The Virginian-Pilot)
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What a beautiful story
Thank you to those who saved this beautiful, defenseless creature. You know there are people in this world that lack a compassion chip. People like that are always weeded from my friends list. A few took the time to post their ignorant comments here. The sad part is they are raising their kids to feel the same way. But the wonderful thing is the people that stepped up and pitched in to keep that cute lil guy alive teach their children compassion. And I know there are more of them in this world! Keep up the good work!
"defenseless creature"
Are you kiding me???? Tell you what! Go up and down this beach during the winter, find one of these "defenseless creatures" and reach out to pet it! Your going to come back with a nub! These "defenseless creatures" live in one of the most hostile envioments on the planet and yet not only survive but thrive! Try going out in the woods with nothing for a week! No Foodlion, no restaurant, no mall and see how you do!
Signed "ignorant commentor"
Healed Seal
Wait a minute! That last photo isn't a harbor seal... It's proof that a Jurassic Era Monster prowls the waterfront, looking for easy prey. Those neck muscles could snap the keel off a thirty foot Catalina!
?????
Ease back on the Jack D. there friend.
Stranding Response Team
I'd like to know who's fumding the Stranding Response Team, and what it costs per yera. I bet there's "tons' of taxpayers equipment assigned to them. Where do I get this information?
The team is funded by the Virginia Aquarium
Most of the Aquarium's funding comes from admissions, souvenir sales, and member donations. Overall, I believe VB funds little, if any, of the operations. You can contact the City for more info.
Rehab of injured seal
To those good folks who lovingly rehabilitated the creature I say, great job and thank you.
You may recall that Rush Limbaugh thought it was a hoot when a rehabbed animal was released and then immediately attacked and killed by an orca on the Pacific coast several years ago. Rush was particularly delighted by the presence of horrified and tearful school kids who were present when the animal was released. Is it any wonder why so many delighted in his later misfortune?
Please don't let the cynical among us damage your spirits or undermine your mission.
Your efforts are appreciated more than you may know.
And just how much did this cost?
The tax payers???? Rush did NOT take delight that kids were watching at all! It was the free Willy whale I do believe. It`s just like the sea turtle crowd, while the US protecta the little darlings the Bahamas and other islands as well as central Amaerican countries raise them as food as well as harvest them from the sea! I`m all for help a hurt animal but come on! I want to know how much it cost! How many other dogs, cats and such could have been fed and cared for in shelters for the cost of money and time that this 1 seal took?????
Harbor seals...
I would like to request the pilot do an article on the harbor seals. I have never seen one here, and had no idea we even had them. Where do they beach? How many are there etc..?