After traveling 12 miles inland, Phil stranded in Delaware and was transferred to the National Aquarium’s rehabilitation facility on April 11.

Phil was being monitored as an out-of-habitat animal beginning in late November, when he began traveling up a river in central Delaware. After recently moving into a muddy area with little water, he began showing signs of declining health and appeared to have difficulty maneuvering and finding food.

The thick mud made for a challenging rescue, but Jennifer Dittmar and Kate Shaffer from National Aquarium Animal Rescue worked alongside volunteers and officials from the local Marine Education, Research and Rehabilitation Institute to successfully rescue Phil and transport him to our Animal Care Center for rehabilitation. 

We’re happy to report that Phil is showing signs of improvement! He has started eating on his own, and is active and alert. Phil is currently being treated for dehydration and an eye infection, which appears to be improving with medication and access to clean water. Our team is hopeful that he will make a full recovery and soon be ready to be released back into the ocean!

Stay tuned for more animal rescue updates!