Staff say the seals, released Thursday near Kenai, are in good health. Scientists hope to continue monitoring their lives in the wild.
Staff with the Alaska SeaLife Center release harbor seal pups into Cook Inlet on Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024 in Kenai, Alaska.
Savannah Costner is an animal care specialist with the Alaska SeaLife Center. She spent the summer nursing the seals back to health, and said it’s a big accomplishment to get the seals back in the water. Costner then introduced the four seals. Traditionally, the SeaLife Center gives themed names to batches of animals being released. Last year, it was potatoes. This year, it’s peppers. Released were Pepperoncini, Zorro, Cayenne and Picosita.Pepperoncini was the fourth harbor seal rescued by the SeaLife Center this year. She was premature when rescued near Kenai, as evidenced by a fluffy white coat. Costner said harbor seals are supposed to lose that white coat while still in utero.
After a few more instructions about keeping the seals safe came the moment everyone had been waiting for.The others were slightly more timid. One takes its time leaving the crate, while another refused to leave entirely. After some coaxing and gentle prodding, though, all made their way down the beach. When all four seals had reached the water, the moderate hush over the crowd lifted as people celebrated.
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