DAY TWO FOR MIRACLE
Yesterday morning around 8 am, Miracle was in the same spot along the rocky shoreline as the day before, this time facing the Space Needle across Elliott Bay. Hotline operator Dave notified First Responder Lynn who drove to the cove and set a perimeter. The weaner dozed through a gusty, wet morning. Volunteers Jay and John noticed some prolonged coughing spells and labored breathing.

The rising tide began sloshing Miracle around and, reluctantly, she pushed off at 1:30 pm. But instead of swimming away, Miracle went to the middle of the small cove and bottled, a resting behavior where seals are vertical in the water with only the face exposed (photo above), for almost 10 minutes. First Responder David stayed along the railing while Lynn went out onto the cement viewing area. Miracle surprised both of them by hauling out on another rock below the outlook.

Lynn snapped some quick photos before partially closing off the viewing area, directly above the seal, with yellow tape and a signboard. There was a brief encounter with one perturbed man who complained that public access should not be restricted, even though it was only a small area with plenty of access left for the public to enjoy views and activities. Lynn patiently explained that undisrupted rest was vital to a young seal’s survival and that Miracle’s right to space and safety was ensured under the Marine Mammal Protection Act.

Miracle stayed on the new rock for only about 15 minutes before that, too, was swamped by waves. This time, Miracle swam away and didn’t reappear. Thanks to Jay, John, David, Dave Y and scheduler Cathy who kept Miracle safe yesterday.

DAY THREE AND COUNTING
First Responder Lynn thought she would be first on the scene early today, but when she pulled up at the angle parking on Harbor volunteer John and weaner Miracle were already there. John said he arrived at 7:15am, just as Miracle hauled out on a favorite rock. The weaner slept off and on all morning and was in a good position for passers-by to see.

It was a lovely sunny day and Lynn knew we’d have more onlookers than the previous rainy days. Scheduler Abigail was able to send lots of volunteers out to help - John, Jay, Margy, Jimi, Carol, Karen, Barb, Buzz and Bob. Miracle was fully visible, so folks got a great view from the sidewalk - even better when First Responder David set up the scope.

Anticipation levels rose with the tide - all eyes were on Miracle as we watched the water splash over her perch. Miracle did not want to leave - the joke was that we should have named the pup “Velcro” since she seemed stuck to that spot. When Miracle was eventually dislodged, she swam along the rocks and clambered out again, only to be swamped again.

Miracle moved to a few more spots before giving up and swimming off to the south - then returning to the cove and rocks - then again swimming off to the north. The human entourage followed from shore, watching as long as the pup was visible, just in case she decided to return for more rest. Miracle was last seen drifting towards the mouth of Elliot Bay.

More likely than not this persistent weaner will return tomorrow for another lengthy stay. There must be a pretty good food source nearby since seals typically haul out close to where they forage.

Tags: Miracle