BERLIN, Md. - After months of intensive care, a young grey seal named Arcadia, the youngest ever treated by the National Aquarium, was released into the wild at Assateague Island State Park on Thursday, May 22.
Arcadia was discovered stranded and severely underweight on the beach in Ocean City on March 13. Just a few weeks old and still considered maternally dependent, she was suffering from an infected puncture wound, eye infection, and oral trauma said the National Aquarium’s Stranding Response Center. After receiving emergency care at the center in Ocean City, Arcadia was transported to the Aquarium’s Animal Care and Rescue Center in Baltimore for long-term rehabilitation.
During her stay, Arcadia learned essential survival skills like swimming and foraging for fish. Now healthy and independent, researchers outfitted the pup with a non-invasive satellite tag prior to release. The center says the tag will help researchers monitor her movement and migration patterns until the tag naturally detaches during her next seasonal molt.
Arcadia’s name follows the National Aquarium’s 2024 naming theme, which honors Baltimore City neighborhoods. She is named after Arcadia, a neighborhood adjacent to Herring Run Park.
Before release, all seals must meet strict rehabilitation milestones, including reaching a minimum weight of 25 kilograms, demonstrating the ability to swim and hunt independently, and passing health screenings administered in coordination with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Local rescue centers and volunteers have had an influx of rescues so far this year, with a record of seal visits over Easter weekend.