PV2602 (Unnamed)

PV2602 is the first rescued Pacific Harbor Seal (Phoca vitulina) pup of the 2026 pupping season. Admitted to the Alaska SeaLife Center’s Wildlife Response Program on May 11, 2026, the pup was found alone on South Kenai Beach in Kenai, Alaska.

Stranding & Transport Logistics

Responders identified the pup on South Kenai Beach after concerned citizens called the 24-hour stranding hotline. A rapid field check determined the animal was less than one week old, displaying signs of:

• Extreme dehydration
• Severe maternal separation and abandonment
• Malnourishment, weighing only 18.2 pounds

The pup was safely crated and transported via Kenai Aviation to the Alaska SeaLife Center’s state-of-the-art wet lab facilities in Seward.

Clinical Diagnostics & Treatment

Upon admission, the veterinary team led by Dr. Carrie Goertz initiated immediate intensive care:

• Intravenous Fluids: Electrolyte rehydration therapy was started immediately to combat shock.
• Diagnostics: Blood panels showed elevated white blood cell counts, indicating an active localized infection.
• Nutrition: The pup is currently on a high-fat milk replacer formula schedule, receiving bottle feeds every 3 hours to encourage weight gain and stable metabolism.

Sponsorships for PV2602 directly support critical veterinary medicine, intensive formula ingredients, and the round-the-clock care necessary to prepare the pup for wild release.