05/28/2026
It's a BIG day for the Harbor seal that stranded in Beach Haven Gardens on February 11th...he has graduated to the BIG pool!
Our friends at Shreiber School of Veterinary Medicine have played an important role in his recovery from a persistent respiratory infection. The team visited MMSC several times with their portable digital radiograph (x-ray) equipment to take diagnostic imaging of his lungs to assess his progress, helping to guide his treatment plan. We are happy to report that he is now fully recovered!
The time he spends in our 30-foot exercise pool is the next step in his rehabilitation, bringing him closer to his release back into the wild as he builds up those swimming muscles and increases his endurance. Happy graduation day, Harbor seal #26-007!!! 🎓
ETA: For those asking why our water has a green tint, we are very fortunate to be situated right on the bay adjacent to a national wildlife refuge so we are able to provide natural seawater to the seals. We do not use manufactured artificial salt water, use large amounts of chemicals or paint the pool walls blue for aesthetics. Instead, natural seawater is used for the health of our rehabilitation patients. The water is pumped in directly from the bay, so the microscopic algae particulates will give the water a green hue depending on the current tide and turbidity. The water is typically maintained at ambient temperature so that the seals remain acclimated to current ocean temperatures. The LSS system includes two sand filters, as well as both a heater and chiller system to adjust the water temperature as needed. In addition to vacuuming the pool and doing water changes daily, the pool is drained and disinfected between patients. Thank you!
