‘He’s healthy, he’s strong, he’s feisty’: Aquarium celebrates baby harbor seal born on Mother’s Day

MYSTIC, Conn. (WFSB/Gray News) - A seal at an aquarium in Connecticut welcomed her baby pup just in time for Mother’s Day.

Mystic Aquarium in Connecticut announced the birth of a harbor seal pup to a mother breeding seal named Pearl.

Officials said the pup was born on Mother’s Day.

They said Pearl was a successful breeding seal recommended by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Harbor Seal Species Survival Plan Program.

They reported that at about 9:30 p.m. on May 12, Pearl went into labor, and within 15 minutes, the new pup was born and confirmed to be a male. The pup was active and alert immediately.

“Pearl is such a great mom,” said Mairim Martinez, assistant curator of marine mammals, Mystic Aquarium. “She continues to act as an excellent ambassador here at the Aquarium, and we are proud to support the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan program with the birth of our little guy!”

The morning after birth, veterinarians conducted an exam of the pup and confirmed that it weighed roughly 26 lbs. They said both mom and pup are doing well.

The aquarium team said it was excited to watch the new addition to the marine mammal collection grow and thrive.

“The pup has been thriving with his mom, so giving them both access to water has been very exciting,” said Jen Rock, assistant supervisor of pinnipeds at Mystic Aquariuam. “The team enjoyed watching the pup enter the water and see his instincts kick in by swimming right away. Pearl was great watching over him closely and teaching him how to dive and ensure he hauled out onto the beach when needed.”

The birth of this seal pup marked a significant milestone in ongoing efforts for marine life conservation, the aquarium said.

“We couldn’t be more excited. He’s healthy, he’s strong, he’s feisty. The perfect combination for this Mother’s Day arrival,” said Laurie Macha, senior director of marine mammals and birds.

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