A harbor seal whose rear flipper had to be amputated after being struck by a boat has recovered and is headed to the Niagara Falls aquarium.
New Jersey's Marine Mammal Stranding Center in Brigantine has been caring for the one-year-old seal since it was found wounded on a beach in Barnegat Light on Long Beach Island in early April.
The young male seal had large lacerations on its back and its hnd flipper was nearly severed, requiring it to be amputated.
The injuries make it nearly impossible for the seal to survive in the wild, so center staff arranged to send the animal to the Aquarium of Niagara in Niagara Falls Friday. There it will join 6 other seals, four of which were rescued.
"We welcome all rescued animals no matter their condition," said Aquarium Executive Director Gary Siddall. "It is our hope that the privilege of seeing these animals will inspire people to be more cognitive of wildlife and their impact on these amazing creatures and their environment."
Siddall said the Aquarium also houses four California sea lions, three of which were rescued. He said the newest resident will be on exhibit in Rescue Harbor beginning in late fall.
