Otis Redding update
Apr/20/10 09:29 PM
(please see end of story for latest info)
Otis Redding, our struggling adult harbor seal, is still hanging out on the boat dock. He is progressively getting thinner, but his infections seem to be improving and there is no longer evidence of parasites in his fecal matter. He is still managing to forage, but seemed a little less alert today. He returned to the water this evening, but we expect to see him again tomorrow. It is a difficult choice to determine whether intervention would help or make matters worse. The stress of capture could reverse the improvements he has made by being able to rest undisturbed on the dock. Be assured he is being closely monitored by SS volunteers and experts who analyze our photos daily (SS cannot thank them enough). Thanks to everyone who uses the boat ramp for being so considerate of Otis’ presence.
(update Apr/24/2010 7:03 am) To our knowledge, Otis has not been on the dock for the last 48 hours (he could have been there off hours, but just not seen). We are hoping this is a sign that his infections have healed to the point where he can fish successfully and that he has chosen a less busy spot to haul out and fatten up. Since adult harbor seals are very shy and tend to avoid people, this would be normal behavior. Of course, he may have become accustomed to the hospitality of West Seattle citizens and return for some more recovery time. If you see a seal on the dock or elsewhere on shore, please call our hotline @ 206-905-7325 (SEAL) so we can continue to monitor the health of our pinnipeds.
Otis Redding, our struggling adult harbor seal, is still hanging out on the boat dock. He is progressively getting thinner, but his infections seem to be improving and there is no longer evidence of parasites in his fecal matter. He is still managing to forage, but seemed a little less alert today. He returned to the water this evening, but we expect to see him again tomorrow. It is a difficult choice to determine whether intervention would help or make matters worse. The stress of capture could reverse the improvements he has made by being able to rest undisturbed on the dock. Be assured he is being closely monitored by SS volunteers and experts who analyze our photos daily (SS cannot thank them enough). Thanks to everyone who uses the boat ramp for being so considerate of Otis’ presence.
(update Apr/24/2010 7:03 am) To our knowledge, Otis has not been on the dock for the last 48 hours (he could have been there off hours, but just not seen). We are hoping this is a sign that his infections have healed to the point where he can fish successfully and that he has chosen a less busy spot to haul out and fatten up. Since adult harbor seals are very shy and tend to avoid people, this would be normal behavior. Of course, he may have become accustomed to the hospitality of West Seattle citizens and return for some more recovery time. If you see a seal on the dock or elsewhere on shore, please call our hotline @ 206-905-7325 (SEAL) so we can continue to monitor the health of our pinnipeds.
