Seal pup rescued in Tokeland begins recovery at Des Moines marine mammal hospital

A starving seal pup was rescued from a Tokeland beach and is currently recovering at Sealife Response, Rehabilitation and Research in Des Moines. Found alone and severely underweight, the two-week-old pup is receiving care from the only dedicated marine mammal hospital in the Pacific Northwest. The team feeds her herring four times daily while minimizing human contact to prevent her from associating people with food. Casey McLean, executive director of SR3, highlights that human disturbance often leads to abandonment during the pupping season. SR3 typically rescues around 60 marine mammals each season, most of which are harbor seals, and relies on public donations and volunteers for its operations.

The organization stresses the importance of keeping a safe distance from marine mammals and encourages reporting of any abandoned or injured animals. SR3's commitment to rehabilitation and public education plays a vital role in marine mammal conservation efforts. The seal pup remains unnamed as she continues her recovery journey.