Mystic Aquarium releases’ Cranberry’ a Block Island seal who defied near-death odds
Mystic Aquarium‘s Animal Rescue Program is overjoyed to announce the rehabilitation and release of a young, resilient seal, affectionately named “Cranberry,” following her challenging journey after stranding on Block Island. This is the first public seal release since the summer and since the release of Hallmark’s Mystic Christmas, featuring Mystic Aquarium seal, Cork, as ‘Peppermint.’ This seal is eventually released in the film, portraying Mystic Aquarium’s actual Animal Rescue program, from rescue to rehabilitation to release.
On June 30, 2023, Mystic Aquarium’s Animal Rescue Program received a distressing report about a sick and injured seal on Block Island. Responding to the call immediately, first responders and the local community joined forces to rescue the lethargic and malnourished seal. Because of the seal’s stranding location on the remote North Light location, it was a multi-day process to retrieve her, involving significant cooperation and collaboration.
Upon arrival at Mystic Aquarium, an initial examination unveiled a severe wound and bone infection in the hind flipper, accompanied by additional puncture wounds, a ventral abscess, and a respiratory infection. The approximately six-month-old seal needed intense hands-on medical care, including laser therapy, in hopes that the wound, with the support of antibiotics, would in part heal itself.
Given the challenging location and the gravity of the seal’s injuries, the animal underwent a crucial stabilization phase before progressing to critical surgery. The partial digit amputation of the hind flipper, expertly conducted by specialists from Piper Memorial in collaboration with Aquarium veterinarians, marked a pivotal moment in her recovery.
“It’s all hands on deck for a surgery like this, and close collaboration with a board-certified surgeon ensured the procedure’s success. The infected area was completely removed, preserving the rest of the flipper for normal swimming. This surgery was a necessary intervention; we gave her a second shot at life,” says Molly Martony, senior veterinarian at Mystic Aquarium.
“This successful rehabilitation stands as a testament to the unwavering dedication of our animal care team, volunteers, and the incredible support from the community,” stated Sarah Callan, Mystic Aquarium’s Animal Rescue Manager. “Our committed team of interns and volunteers tirelessly cared for her, so we wanted them to do the honors of selecting her name, and they chose one that embodies the season and represents the most cherished gift we could receive during the holidays – the opportunity to return her to her ocean home.”
Over five months, Cranberry fully recovered and was ready to return to the wild. Mystic Aquarium sees the release of Cranberry as a successful rehabilitation story and a testament to the power of community collaboration in the realm of wildlife conservation.
“We are immensely proud of the collaborative efforts that have gone into rehabilitating Cranberry,” added Sarah Callan. “This release is a momentous occasion for Mystic Aquarium, Block Island responders, and the entire community.”
On Wednesday, December 6, 2023, the public gathered with Mystic Aquarium at Blue Shutters Beach in Rhode Island at 9 am to witness the joyous release of Cranberry back into her natural habitat. Over a hundred individuals showed up to observe and celebrate her return to the water. Initially hesitant, Cranberry cast a few cautious glances before flopping into the ocean, swimming up and down the beach before disappearing offshore. The energy was palpable and after a hushed anticipation, applause erupted from the onlookers as she entered the water.
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