Baby seal dies after being found wandering down street in Ocean City

The Marine Mammal Stranding Center says parasites and a possible respiratory infection could be to blame.

6abc Digital Staff Image
Tuesday, February 20, 2024
Baby seal dies after being found wandering down street in Ocean City
Baby seal dies after being found wandering down street in Ocean City

OCEAN CITY, New Jersey (WPVI) -- A wayward baby seal spotted wandering down a roadway in Ocean City, New Jersey earlier this month has died.

The Marine Mammal Stranding Center says parasites and a possible respiratory infection could be to blame.

The rescue happened on February 7 after the pup hauled out from the bay at West Avenue between 42nd and 43rd streets.

He showed signs of improvement, but Monday night his health suddenly took a turn for the worse and he passed away.

A full necropsy will be performed to provide insight into what may have caused him to go down so quickly.

The stranding center said in a statement it wanted to "thank the residents of Ocean City and everyone who rallied around this little seal. We know that you are hurting as much as we are today."

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