It sounds like a scene from Happy Feet, but after attaching a GPS-like tracking device, SeaWorld's Animal Rescue was able to release a rescued Guadalupe fur seal back into the wild.
The female seal was found off a sea wall at Carlsbad State Beach back in December, weighing only 80 pounds and suffering lacerations on her right side. She was in need of urgent medical care, which included fluids and antibiotics.
A nutrient-rich diet consisting of capelin, sardines and herring was able to bring the seal's weight up and at the time of her release, she had gained nearly 20 pounds. She will now be able to forage for food on her own.
Senior Research Scientist Dr. Brent Stewart hooked the satellite transmitter up to the unnamed seal to hopefully track her movements and learn more about her species and its travels.
The tracker will only be good for about six months, until she molts and it likely dislodges, SeaWorld Rescue said.
SeaWorld said an adult male fur seal can grow up to six feet in length and weight up to 350 pounds. Females typically reach four and a half feet and 100 pounds. The seal released Thursday was a healthy 98 pounds.
