Augie on the rocks. Photo by Victoria Nelson

Augie
Seal Sitters’ first seal in August has been nicknamed Augie by First Responder John S. Augie is a large adult male who for four weeks has been spotted lounging along Duwamish Head, the tide flats of Elliott Bay, the boat launch and the rocks south of Alki Point. Despite kayakers and beach goers approaching him closer than they should, Augie appears alert and healthy and able to escape at any time into the water.

First Responders Victoria and David H noted some wounds on Augie's nose and rear flippers. Dyanna Lambourn of WDFW commented, “The males, as they hold territories, get pretty beat up during this time of year. Especially their flippers and neck.” Adult males hauling out in West Seattle are a rare sight and Seal Sitters volunteers have been enjoying the opportunity.

Cappuccino on the beach. Photo by David Hutchinson

Cappuccino (Weatherwatch Park pup)
Over a period of three days, Seal Sitters hotline operators got reports of a seal hauling out at a small beach popular with kayakers, paddle boarders and sunset-watchers. First Responder Dave D hurried to the spot one evening but Cappuccino (nicknamed by volunteer Corinne) was already at the waterline and wiggled in before he could get a good look. The pup returned the next day; Suzanne and volunteers were able to protect and monitor her until dark. Nestled in the driftwood, the pup at first seemed to be in decent body condition, but by the third day, she was in marked decline - she was thin, lethargic and suffering from an infected facial wound.

The decision was made by First Responders Jay and Dori to take the little seal for treatment. Volunteers Kat and Corinne kept the crowd of onlookers informed of what was happening as Responder James captured Cappuccino. Dori reports that despite her condition Cappuccino “became quite lively at this maneuver and tried to snatch James’ hand, but fortunately we had no casualties tonight.”

At SR3’s marine hospital, Cappuccino was given antibiotics and formula, but after four days of rehab the feisty pup died of acute respiratory distress. Cappuccino is a sad reminder of how quickly a pup’s condition can deteriorate and how important it is to monitor the health of these animals.


Virgo at Lincoln Park. Photo: Lynn Shimamoto

Virgo
When First Responder Lynn got word of a pup at Lincoln Park on a Sunday afternoon from Hotline Operator Dana, they knew that managing beachgoers would be an immediate concern. When the responder arrived, she couldn’t believe a pup had hauled out amid the crowd of people. She located the seal only yards away from paddlers, picnickers and a professional photo shoot. Because the pup was so thin and young, it was quickly decided to take her in for care.

Once a response team was in place, First Responder Victoria scooped up the pup, named Virgo for the astrological sign when her care began at SR3. Virgo was found to have multiple infected puncture wounds on both rear flippers and left fore flipper. At SR3’s marine hospital in Des Moines, she was placed on antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medication. At first she was tube-fed and given subcutaneous fluids, but soon she began eating fish. SR3 reports Virgo “has been a champion feeder!”

Fingers crossed as Virgo continues to improve. Many thanks to Seal Sitters volunteer Jill for transporting Virgo to the hospital and to SR3 Veterinarian Michelle Rivard for taking care of the tiny pup.

Please call Seal Sitters’ hotline at 206-905-7325 (SEAL) for all reports of marine mammals on the beach.