New Haven, Conn. — A baby seal, affectionately named Chappy, has sadly passed away after being found stranded on a street near Yale University last month. The Mystic Aquarium announced this heartbreaking news on Monday, revealing that Chappy succumbed to severe digestive issues.
Chappy was named in honor of Chapel Street in New Haven, where he was rescued. In a heartfelt post on Facebook, Mystic Aquarium expressed their sorrow, stating, "It's with the heaviest of hearts that we share the passing of Chappy, the gray seal pup we had been treating in our Animal Rescue Clinic." The staff at Mystic Aquarium reported that they were proud to have provided Chappy with the best chance possible for recovery, yet were devastated by the unfortunate outcome.
The reality of working with stranded animals can often be challenging, and in Chappy's case, he was surrounded by love and care until the very end. CBS Hartford affiliate WFSB-TV noted that the New Haven Police Department, which played a crucial role in Chappy's rescue, also expressed their sadness over his passing. They thanked everyone who showed concern, highlighting how many people were touched by Chappy's story, particularly praising the efforts of Mystic Aquarium in caring for the young seal.
Chappy, an underweight gray seal pup, was brought to the clinic on February 16 after a passerby noticed him and reported the potential injury to local authorities. At the time of his rescue, Chappy was over 1,000 feet away from the nearest river and was believed to be approximately 5 to 6 weeks old.
Initially, the aquarium reported that Chappy was responding well to treatments for dehydration, malnutrition, and mild pneumonia. However, complications arose as he transitioned to eating whole fish, leading to significant digestive difficulties. A necropsy revealed that Chappy suffered from mesenteric torsion, a serious condition where the intestines twist around the mesentery, effectively cutting off blood supply to a large portion of the gastrointestinal tract.
Regrettably, despite the dedicated efforts of the veterinary team, Chappy's gastrointestinal issues proved too severe for treatment, ultimately leading to his untimely death. Mystic Aquarium confirmed that they did everything possible to save him.
Gray seals, like Chappy, are commonly found in the coastal waters of the North Atlantic Ocean. They typically feed on a diet consisting of fish, crustaceans, squid, octopus, and sometimes even seabirds, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The story of Chappy serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by stranded marine animals and the importance of efforts made by organizations like Mystic Aquarium in rescuing and rehabilitating these creatures.
The passing of Chappy has touched the hearts of many, highlighting the need for continued awareness and action in marine animal conservation efforts.
