Whats happening
Zoo helps young fur seal hit by train
23 June 2010
A young male fur seal brought into Auckland Zoo last week after being hit by a train and losing half its back left flipper, has been released back into the Manukau Harbour at Whatipu following surgery and a short rehabilitation.
The 10-month-old pup hauled itself up out of the harbour and into Kiwi Rail's nearby shunting yard at Otahuhu last Wednesday. Despite Kiwi Rail staff shooing the young seal back into the water, he returned in the evening, making himself comfortable under a railway carriage and going to sleep.
Kiwi Rail staff were quick to help the injured seal by calling the Department of Conservation (DOC), who then brought the seal to the Zoo's New Zealand Centre for Conservation Medicine.
DOC says it's not unusual for seals of this age, who are self-feeding and starting to explore the world on their own, to become disorientated when they come up onto land, and explain this is a common time of year for this to happen.
Zoo vet Dr John Potter,
says some of the protruding bones in the young seal's severed back
left flipper had to be trimmed back to the joint to enable the
injury to be sutured.
"The good thing is, while he will have to compensate a little, it's
his front flippers which are used to propel him through the water,
that are most important. The back flippers are more for steering
and grooming. And despite this injury, he's in great condition,
weighing in at over 11kg - a very good size for a seal of his age.
He's also been swimming well in the pool here while our vet team
and zoo keepers have been taking care of him. All these things
should help his chances out in the wild," says says Dr Potter.
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What to do if you come across an injured fur seal
DOC warns anyone who comes across a fur seal to not try and move or assist it, as even if it is sick or injured, it is still capable of inflicting serious injury. DOC also advises keeping dogs on leads when walking them on the beach, particularly around Auckland's Manukau harbour.
If you find a seal that is severely injured, entangled in marine debris, or being harassed by people or dogs, call the DOC HOTline 0800 362 468.
Auckland Zoo is home to two New Zealand fur seals, and one sub-antarctic fur seal. To find out more about the New Zealand fur seal, visit http://www.doc.govt.nz/conservation/native-animals/marine-mammals/seals/nz-fur-seal/