ROYAL OAK — The Detroit Zoo’s Arctic Ring of Life is the new permanent home for a female grey seal pup that was rescued from the New Jersey seashore.
The pup — estimated to be approximately 9 months old — was deemed non-releasable to the wild after becoming too friendly with fishermen and beachgoers. She arrived from the Marine Mammal Stranding Center in Brigantine, N.J., on Monday.
“Since the pup cannot be returned to her natural wild habitat, we are happy to provide her sanctuary at the Detroit Zoo,” said Scott Carter, Detroit Zoological Society chief life sciences officer. “The Arctic Ring of Life is an amazing habitat and she will be in good company here with our other rescued seals.”
Named Jersey by the zoo’s animal care staff, the 100-pound seal joins grey seals Kiinaq (KEE nak) and Georgie, harp seal Pequot (PEE kwat) and harbor seals Sidney and Freita, all of which were rescued.
“The Detroit Zoo has a reputation for being at the forefront of wildlife rescue, and we are so pleased that this little seal has found such a haven,” said Bob Schoelkopf, director of the Marine Mammal Stranding Center.
Jersey’s rescue is supported by the Kalter/Lezotte Fund for Wildlife Rescue, established in 2012 to facilitate the rescue of animals with the intent to provide sanctuary at the Detroit Zoo. To contribute to the fund, make a check payable to Detroit Zoological Society and send it to Fund for Wildlife Rescue, 8450 W. 10 Mile Road, Royal Oak, MI 48067, or call 248-336-5704.
