MYSTIC, Conn. — The Mystic Aquarium welcomed a new member into its family on Mother’s Day when a harbor seal pup was born, according to a release from the aquarium on Tuesday.
The aquarium said the pup was born to Pearl, a harbor seal who has called Mystic home for nearly a dozen years. Pearl is a successful breeding seal recommended by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Harbor Seal Species and Survival Plan Program.
According to the aquarium, which said the cooperative initiative is critical to ensuring population sustainability among accredited facilities.
At approximately 9:30 p.m. on May 12, the aquarium reports that Pearl went into active labor, and the new pup was born and confirmed to be a male within 15 minutes. The aquarium added that the pup was active and alert immediately, which is an encouraging sign of health and vitality.
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“Pearl is such a great mom,” Mairim Martinez, assistant curator of the Marine Mammals, said in the release. “She continues to act as an excellent ambassador here at the aquarium, and we are proud to support the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan program with the birth of our little guy.”
Shortly after birth, the pup had his first nursing session and received colostrum, a nutrient-rich first milk that is crucial for development and immune defense, according to the aquarium. Since then, regular nursing has continued, ensuring the pup grows healthily, the aquarium said.
The aquarium noted that the morning after birth, veterinarians conducted an exam of the pup and confirmed he weighed 26.4 pounds. According to the aquarium, both the mom and pup are doing well, and the team at the aquarium looks forward to watching the newest addition to the marine mammal collection grow and thrive.
Jen Rock, assistant supervisor of Pinnipeds, said the pup has been doing well with his mom and that giving them both access to water has been an exciting experience.
“The team enjoyed watching the pup enter the water and see his instincts kick in by swimming right away. Pearl was great watching over him closely and teaching him how to dive and ensure he hauled out onto the beach when needed,” Rock said, in the release.
In addition to being a joyous occasion, the aquarium said the event also represents a milestone in the facility’s ongoing efforts for marine life conservation. This summer, the aquarium invites the community to join in the celebration of the pup’s arrival and learn more about the important role the aquarium plays in species conservation.
“We couldn’t be more excited. He’s healthy, he’s strong, he’s feisty… the perfect combination for this Mother’s Day arrival,” Laurie Macha, the aquarium’s senior director of Marine Mammals and Birds, said, in the release.
For more information on harbor seals or the aquarium itself, one can visit its website here.
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Dalton Zbierski is a digital content producer and writer at FOX61 News. He can be reached at dzbierski@FOX61.com.
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