In 2023, a gray seal found in St. Petersburg was rescued and taken to a local rehabilitation center
In a report from the press service of the St. Petersburg State Unitary Enterprise Vodokanal, it was disclosed that the first emaciated gray seal discovered within the city limits in 2023 was brought to the Seal Rescue Center in Repino. The information was shared by TASS, highlighting the efforts to protect this vulnerable marine mammal. The rescued seal, a young gray seal cub, arrived at the rescue facility weighing just 15 kilograms. Experts note that at the start of independent life, a typical cub should weigh more than 40 kilograms to withstand cold waters and learn to fish effectively. The initial condition of the cub underscored the serious challenge of survival in its early stages, yet this is a critical window for rehabilitation to restore strength and natural behaviors. This case reflects a broader commitment by local authorities and partner organizations to safeguard marine life in the region, including the necessary nourishment, medical care, and rehabilitation plans that aim to return the animal to its natural habitat when feasible.
A local resident who found the seal near a dam played a crucial role in its rescue, assisting in the animal’s initial stabilization and transport to the rehabilitation facility. Moving forward, experts from the Baltic Seal Friends Foundation were set to provide specialized guidance and veterinary support to the seal in the days ahead. Their involvement signals a collaborative approach among Russian conservation groups, municipal services, and non-profit organizations to ensure the best possible outcome for the endangered or rare marine mammals encountered in and around St. Petersburg and the Baltic coastal region.
Earlier in the year, another case drew public attention on Russia’s Pacific coast. Specialists from the Tyulen marine mammal rehabilitation center reported rescuing a baby seal found on Russky Island, near Primorye, by local residents who discovered fishing hooks on the animal’s face. Such interventions highlight the ongoing challenges faced by seal populations, including human-wildlife interactions and the need for prompt medical attention to prevent long-term harm. The coordinated response from local guardians of wildlife demonstrates a sustained commitment to animal welfare across diverse maritime environments, from the Baltic approaches to the Far East coastlines. The work continues as teams monitor the animals, provide wound care, and prepare suitable rehabilitation programs that aim to release healthy seals back into their natural waters when conditions permit. (TASS)”