The National Aquarium on Thursday released “Arcadia,” the youngest seal ever in its care, at Assateague Island State Park after successful long-term treatment at the Aquarium’s Animal Care and Rescue Center (ACRC) in Baltimore.
Arcadia was rescued from the beach in Ocean City on March 13, emaciated and with a puncture wound. She also had an eye infection and oral trauma. She was just a few weeks old, an age considered still maternally dependent in this species. During her time at ACRC, she learned to swim and to forage for fish independently.
She was named Arcadia after the Baltimore neighborhood adjacent to Herring Run Park, in keeping with this year’s theme of naming rescued animals after Baltimore City neighborhoods. Arcadia is the youngest seal ever treated and released by the National Aquarium’s Animal Health and Rescue Teams.
The young seal was outfitted with a non-invasive satellite tag before she was released. The tag allows experts to track her movement and migration until the tag sheds with her next seasonal molt. The data the Aquarium teams collect will help them and others learn more about the habits and patterns of this seal species that have established populations along the East Coast.
Two other seals rescued this season, Evergreen and Remington, are still rehabilitating at the ACRC. Two additional seals, Woodberry and Waverly, were successfully released in April. Before being released, all rescued seals the Aquarium rehabilitate must reach a weight of at least 25 kgs (around 55 lbs.); be able to swim, forage, and eat independently; and be cleared by partners at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which includes a blood test showing the animal is healthy and free of infection.
Should you encounter a seal on the beach, it may not be sick, only resting. The Aquarium advises that if you do see a seal, do not touch or approach it, and keep a distance of 150 feet—about the length of three school buses. Please note your location and time of day and immediately contact the National Aquarium’s Stranded Animal Hotline at 410-576-3880.
Watch the video below.
