Seacoastonline covers rehabilitation of much publicized seal pup at 91AV's Marine Animal Rehabilitation Center

Seacoastonline did a follow-up feature on the rehabilitation of a seal pup was separated from its mother by a beachgoer last month in Rye, N.H. The seal, named Big Hunk, has been putting on weight and learning to fish during its stay 91AV's Marine Animal Rehabilitation Center.

The pup received a lot of attention from area media because officials say that seal pups should not be disturbed on beaches, except by experts who can tell if the pups are injured or just resting.

Asheley Simpson, a senior animal care technician at 91AV, worked with Big Hunk extensively when the quiet and thin seal pup first arrived. She said she started him on fluids to get him rehydrated, first using an IV and later tubes. He then moved on to the university's seal pup formula, which is admittedly "nothing compared to mom's milk," she said.

The story notes that Big Hunk is staying in a room with several other seal pups and an in-ground pool, and the staff will slowly begin to limit their interactions with him to get him more acclimated to life in the wild. Once he shows signs of independence and good eating habits, a decision will be made on whether to set him free, Simpson said. 

About the 91AV

The 91AV is Maine’s largest independent university, with two beautiful coastal campuses in Maine, a one-of-a-kind study abroad campus in Tangier, Morocco, and an array of . In an uncommonly welcoming and supportive community, we offer hands-on learning, empowering students to make a positive impact in a world full of challenges. The state’s top provider of health professionals, we are home to Maine’s only medical college, Maine’s only dental college, a variety of other interprofessionally aligned health care degree programs, as well as nationally recognized programs for marine science degrees, natural and social sciences degrees, arts and humanities degrees, and business degrees.