Beloved Rescue Seal Pup Dies at Popular Mystic Aquarium

Many Hudson Valley residents take day trips out to the Mystic Aquarium with their families.

Recently, the aquarium took in a young seal pup after it was found roaming the streets in Connecticut.

Seal Pup Rescued on The Streets of New Haven, Connecticut

In early February 2025, the New Haven Police Department was busy keeping their eye on a very young seal pup.

The seal was spotted wandering the streets of New Haven. On February 16th, both the New Haven Police and Fire Departments had run ins with seal. The Fire Department shares that the seal pup was found on Chapel and East.

And then they took a little jab at the PD:

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A post shared by Operations chief New Haven fire (@newhavenfdops_car_39_)

However, the New Haven PD announced the seal as the "newest addition" to their department. Meet the newest addition to the department! pic.twitter.com/anx1ERrLQn — New Haven Police Department (@NHPDnews) February 16, 2025

Mystic Aquarium Takes in Wayward Seal Pup from New Haven

NBC CT reports that both time the young seal made its way into the city the Mystic Aquarium was called in for assistance.

Francesca Battaglia, a Mystic Aquarium animal rescue technician told the news outlet “He just kept getting deeper and deeper into the city, following his natural instincts at first, and then realizing that he was just totally out of his element and lost."

Chappy The Seal Passes Away While Recovering at Mystic Aquarium

Sadly, Chappy's recovery took a turn.

The Mystic Aquarium reports that the seal pup has passed away after digestive difficulties.

They write that Chappy's "gastrointestinal issues were too severe to treat, and he succumbed to his disease." The aquarium also explains that they found pieces of plastic in his stomach "highlighting the threat that marine debris, especially plastics, pose to marine animals."

You can read the full announcement of Chappy's passing below:

Go "Under the Sea" At These Two Large Upstate New York Aquariums

We have written about the many zoos, animal parks, and places to get up close with lions, tigers, and bears (oh my!) in Upstate New York. These two large aquariums, one in Niagara Falls and one in the Capital District, are great fun and should not be overlooked!

Gallery Credit: Chuck D'Imperio

The Most Annoying New York State Nuisance Wildlife Species

New York is full of amazing wildlife... some are great, and some are not so great. These are the ones that just straight up annoy New Yorkers.

Gallery Credit: New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

Wildlife Expert Shares Connecticut's Top 5 Most Dangerous Animals

To come up with the 5 Most Dangerous animals in Connecticut I consulted with an expert. Her name is Jen "The Zookeeper" Kotkin and she immediately took issue with the phrasing "the most dangerous." I mean she knew what I was angling for but made clear to me that these animals are only dangerous when approached, protecting their cubs and food, etc. She told me: "wild animals aren’t out there looking to start fights, and take the flight versus fight route whenever possible."

Without further adieu...Cue the scary music....These are CT's 5 Most Dangerous Animals

Gallery Credit: Lou Milano

Source: Beloved Rescue Seal Pup Dies at Popular Mystic Aquarium