As we approach the end of the year we want to share some of the biggest accomplishments of the year that have been made possible because of our wide community of supporters. While it’s hard to top 2021 when our Executive Director was named a top 10 CNN Hero, we’re pretty excited about what our team has accomplished this year.

Increased Rehabilitation Capacity Just before harbor seal pupping season we were able to increase our capacity to help more pups in need from all over the Northeast. As a result, our hospital became the largest capacity facility for harbor seal pups in New England. However, the need for rehabilitation space for dependent pups, who would not survive without intervention, still exceeds what’s available. That’s why we’re still fundraising-to get to a point where we can say “yes” to helping all the pups in need.

Admitted the Highest Number of Pups to Date Just as soon as we had increased our capacity we reached capacity in our rehabilitation facility with a lot of little mouth’s to feed! Despite having to close to new admits for a period of time during the height of the Unusual Mortality Event linked to Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, we still admitted the highest number of pups to date this year. We’re honored to be able to offer compassionate care and a second chance at life for these amazing and important animals, and are preparing to offer more help by constructing new seal housing this winter.

A Permanent Home for Kitt! The story of #319 is a memorable one and this silly seal with a big personality was a big part of the beginning of 2022. Admitted to our facility at the end of 2021 due to boat propeller wounds, Kitt (formerly #319) required around the clock care for months. Eventually her wounds healed, though unfortunately the wounds affected her eyesight so drastically that she would be unable to survive in the wild. In February of 2022, we found the perfect forever home for her at the Woods Hole Science Aquarium where she is a charismatic ambassador for seals and spends her days educating visitors about marine stewardship and conservation. Hers is an unforgettable tale of both the negative and positive impacts that we as humans can have upon these amazing animals and serves as an inspiration for our efforts moving forward.