Rescuers Find Tiny White-Furred Seal Pup On Beach — And Realize He’s A Miracle In Disguise

Seal pup season is always busy for the team at Marine Mammals of Maine (MMM), but one recent rescue had them doing a double take. A call came in about a tiny harbor seal alone on Scarborough Beach — nothing unusual during this time of year — but when rescuers arrived, they were stunned by what they saw.

There, lying in the sand, was a newborn seal pup still wrapped in something rarely seen: his fluffy white lanugo coat — the kind of fur most seal pups lose before they’re even born.

“He was born with the white, fluffy lanugo fur typically shed in utero, which could be an indication that he was born prematurely,” MMM shared in a post.

Despite his soft, angelic appearance, the situation was serious. At just a day old, the pup didn’t seem to have a mother nearby, and he had already encountered several humans on the beach — something that can be stressful and even dangerous for such a fragile animal.

While it’s normal for seal pups to nap and call out on shore while waiting for mom, this little guy’s behavior, along with signs from his exam, told rescuers he needed more than just rest — he needed help.

After one last search for his mother, the team gently scooped up the pup and brought him back to MMM’s rehabilitation center. There, they got to work creating a care plan fit for a seal baby with a bumpy start to life.

“As a dependent pup, he will be spending the next few months at our center,” MMM wrote. “He’ll receive formula feeds until he’s about 3–4 weeks old, and then begin learning to eat fish like a pro!”

Now safely tucked into the center, the pup is already making waves — literally and figuratively.

“He is doing great and loves to suckle on his pool mate, who is also a dependent seal pup,” said MMM’s Lynda Ada Doughty. “He loves his swim time, too!”

While he still has a long way to go before he’s ready for the wild, this fuzzy little miracle is in the best hands possible. With expert care, some fishy meals, and plenty of swim sessions, he’s on the path to growing into the strong, independent seal he was meant to be.

🐬 Want to help seal pups like this one? You can support Marine Mammals of Maine here.