BEVERLY, MA – A gray seal that swam through a cement tunnel into Shoe Pond in Beverly, Massachusetts, was safely returned to its natural habitat after a week-long stay that captivated local residents.
The seal made its initial appearance in Shoe Pond on September 15. The pond, part of the Cummings Center office park, is connected to Beverly Harbor by a 250-yard cement tunnel. NOAA stranding staff, in collaboration with Beverly Animal Control Officers, observed the seal’s health and behavior over several days. Despite an open dam gate on September 18, the seal opted to stay in the pond.
The seal became a local attraction, affectionately named “Shoebert” by Beverly residents. Although the pond is saltwater, the seal ventured into a freshwater upper pond on September 19. NOAA staff took the opportunity to educate visitors about seal safety, emphasizing a safe viewing distance of 150 feet or more.
Concerns grew as the seal showed no intention of leaving the pond, posing potential risks to itself and the public. Planning for its safe removal began on September 21. Information gathered from a rowboat and divers provided by the Beverly Fire Department informed the rescue strategy.
On the morning of September 22, the seal was found on a sidewalk near a busy road, changing the day’s plan from observation to immediate action. Despite multiple capture attempts, the seal remained elusive. As darkness fell, the operation was suspended.
The situation came to a resolution in the early hours of September 23 when the seal was found on a lawn in the Cummings Center. Beverly Police Department officers acted swiftly, corralling the animal until NOAA staff arrived. The seal was then safely transported to Mystic Aquarium for a health assessment.
The episode demonstrated the effectiveness of multi-agency cooperation in wildlife rescue operations and brought a close to the seal’s week-long adventure in Beverly.