"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times . . .” for two young harbor seal pups.

The situation looked dire for two orphaned harbor seal pups who arrived on West Seattle beaches in August. Emaciated and abandoned, their chance of survival was poor until they were found by beachgoers who called the Seal Sitters hotline (206-905-SEAL).

The first pup appeared below the Alki Beach promenade at 11 one morning (photo above). Seal Sitters First Responder Suzanne quickly set up tape and signs, alerting several people walking their dogs on the beach. With the help of scheduler Karin, volunteers Anais and Malloree and fellow responders David H, John M and Jay H, Suzanne was able to monitor the pup’s condition.

It was clear the very young pup, nicknamed Cascade, would not survive another day on her own, so the pup was taken to SR3’s marine mammal hospital. SR3 Veterinary Nurse Casey reported that the pup tried to suckle on the transport kennel and still had an umbilical stump.

Cascade received oral and subcutaneous fluids for stabilization and rehydration and quickly began to improve. The photo shows Cascade under care at SR3 rehab facility. At last report, she was doing well.

A SECOND NEWBORN KEEPS SEAL SITTERS BUSY

Two days after Cascade’s rescue, a second pup was reported at West Seattle’s Lincoln Park. Reporting Party Jen and her companions were enjoying a late summer evening on the beach when they noticed a tiny seal haul out of Puget Sound, only 100 feet away. They stayed to watch over pup Piccolo until First Responder Lynn arrived. Piccolo was estimated to be a nursing aged pup at 2-3 weeks old, with no hope of surviving on her own since she was dependent on her mother’s rich milk. In the hope that the pup could reunite with her mom, she was left on the beach, surrounded by a yellow tape perimeter to keep people away.

The next morning, Lynn found Piccolo at the same spot. The pup swam away and was later sighted on nearby private beaches. Residents put up makeshift barriers to protect her and reminded their neighbors to keep dogs away. When the pup returned to Lincoln Park, Seal Sitters volunteers Corinne, John M and Victoria talked with the public while Lynn captured Cascade. Shortly after assisting with the capture, John S delivered her safely to the SR3 hospital. Quickly stabilized, Piccolo responded well to treatment (Piccolo is shown below with identifying tag at SR3 rehab facility).



We will never know how the pups became separated from their mothers. Seal Sitters is grateful to the members of the public who found these two orphans in time for them to be protected and given a second chance. Hopefully, it’s the best of times for Cascade and Piccolo.

Tags: Cascade, Piccolo