MADISON, Conn — Four seal pups have a new lease on life after being released into the waters of Hammonasset Beach State Park Thursday morning.
The four pups were rescued earlier this year and have spent the last few months rehabbing at Mystic Aquarium. They were given some pretty cool names: Orecchiette, Cavatelli, Tortellini and Sealy-Dan.
The seal pups were in bad shape before being rescued by the Mystic Aquarium; they dealt with puncture wounds, infections, and low weight.
Volunteers with the Mystic Aquarium’s Animal Rescue Program helped the seal pups recover through daily treatments, saltwater swims and more before their big debut Thursday morning.
“It’s so nice to see the community come out here and support us," said Sarah Callen, manager of the Mystic Aquarium’s Animal Rescue Program. “This is also one of our biggest seal releases, it’s definitely the biggest of this year and the first seal release we’ve ever had in Connecticut.”
Once they arrived at the beach, the crowd encouraged the pups to head toward the water and one by one, each pup slowly got reacquainted with the Long Island Sound.
“It’s always a bittersweet day for us,” Callen said. “We, like I said put so much care into these animals and their medical needs during their time in rehab so it’s really such a celebratory day for everyone and it’s so nice to see them go back to their ocean home and get that second chance at life.”
The pups are equipped with special tags that will allow the Mystic Aquarium to identify and track each pup, as well as their migration patterns.
Symphonie Privett is a trending reporter at FOX61 News. She can be reached at sprivett@fox61.com. Follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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