The first pup of our season arrived last night on Alki Beach just south of Cactus restaurant. Seal Sitters received a call (thanks, Joan and friend) about a tiny pup on the beach with some children too close to him. We arrived on scene minutes after the call and did a quick assessment of the pup - very small and thin. We determined it was best not to tape him off as it would attract unnecessary attention to his presence. The pup, nicknamed Primo because he’s our first pup, was quite alert and aware of the noise from the few people walking by along the bulkhead. Before the beach descended into total darkness, he yawned and our photographer was able to get a shot of his teeth. We can get an idea if the pup is weaned or still nursing based on the number of teeth that have erupted. This pup had a fair number of erupted teeth, but not all of them. Based on his lack of fat, perhaps he was weaned a bit on the early side. However, that is strictly a guess on our part and we are awaiting comments from the WDFW biologist. Photos of Primo were sent late last night. If there is a mom out there, she is not doing the best job of nourishing this little one. According to the biologist’s observations at the rookeries, first time moms aren’t always so successful at motherhood. Volunteers watched over him til late last night.

We will update as information comes in regarding this pup, who was not on the beaches as of first light this morning. Our volunteers did an extensive search of all the beaches and there was no sign of him. However, there was a very small seal and larger one on the platform at the south end of the beach (aka Joy D platform). A heron scared them into the water before we could get an identification photo. If you walk Alki Beach today, please keep your eyes open for this little pup and call us if you spot him.