Seals are often called “Dogs of the Sea” for good reason. They’re beautiful creatures with beautiful souls. Their young are referred to as pups, and these adorable puppies have a way of tugging on our heartstrings. According to Dogster, “Seals and dogs often have similar dispositions, and their snouts can look identical if you look really fast. So, they are related, but not closely. Thus, it makes sense that they look and act similarly.” When a seal pup is orphaned, for whatever reason, they cannot properly care for themselves. Thankfully, there are good people out there eager to help.
Rescuers from Pieterburen Seal Centre encountered an orphan baby seal they named Winter. She was in the sea, close to the beach, lying helplessly, awaiting help. The team assembled and brought Winter to their rescue center. She was the first seal pup they rescued that season. They weighed and measured her and took blood samples. Gratefully, Winter’s health was excellent.
Like most seal pups, Winter was playful, inquisitive, and mischievous, which was a good sign. She felt comfortable with her caregivers. The plan was for Winter to remain at the center until she was big enough to be released back into the wild. The process is quite delicate. She needed monitoring, but her carers couldn’t overdo it or she wouldn’t survive in the wild on her own.
A week after rescue, it was time for Winter’s first swim in the indoor pool. She was hesitant, but with a gentle push, she happily took to the water. As the video states, “She was a natural.” Soon, it was time for Winter to go back to the sea on her own, but for this seal, it was not a simple process.
Winter’s story continues in the video below, and it is one that will brighten your day. We are relieved that Winter was found in time. Thanks to her rescuers, she has a chance to thrive!
Toledo, United States.
