Surf City, NJ – A harbor seal, known as patient #64 at the Marine Mammal Stranding Center has made a triumphant return to its natural habitat following a six-week recovery period at a local marine animal hospital. The male seal, which stranded in Surf City on Christmas Day, was treated for injuries sustained from a shark bite.
Upon his arrival at the hospital, the seal weighed in at a critical condition but has since reached a robust 87 pounds, signaling a full recovery. Before his release, the seal was tagged on his left rear flipper with the identification number 64, ensuring future monitoring of his progress in the wild.
The release took place in the calm waters just inside the Brigantine Inlet at the North Brigantine Natural Area, a location chosen for its suitability to the seal’s natural preferences for bays, estuaries, and inlets. This area offers the perfect environment for the seal to reintegrate into the wild and thrive.
Staff members reported last seeing the seal as he confidently navigated out of the inlet, heading towards the ocean, marking a successful transition back to his natural environment.