Amelia Bedelia Joins Pippi Longstocking at the National Aquarium

The National Aquarium's Animal Rescue team is currently caring for a harp seal rescued from Ocean City, Maryland. In line with Aquarium's naming theme for rescue seals this season, the Aquarium's newest patient has been nicknamed after beloved storybook character Amelia Bedelia.

Amelia the seal was rescued on February 23 in a coordinated effort with the Maryland Coastal Bays Program. Upon her arrival to the Aquarium's Animal Care and Rescue Center in Baltimore, the Animal Health and Rescue teams immediately ran diagnostic tests to determine Amelia's condition.

It was determined Amelia was suffering from extreme dehydration. She's now resting and receiving fluids combined with tube-fed fish gruel. In the coming weeks, the team anticipates seeing her appetite and energy improve as she settles into rehabilitation.

Amelia joins rescued gray seal pup Pippi Longstocking in long-term rehabilitation at the Animal Care and Rescue Center. Pippi was rescued on February 8 from Dewey Beach, Delaware and is recovering from dehydration, malnourishment and an infected front flipper.

The National Aquarium's Animal Rescue program is responsible for responding to stranded marine mammals and sea turtles along the nearly 3,190 miles of Maryland coast and works with stranding partners through the GARS Network to help respond, rescue and release animals year-round.

It's important to note that if a member of the public sees a stranded marine mammal or sea turtle, the person should not touch or approach the animal, or allow other people/pets to do so. We ask that you carefully note your location and time of day and immediately contact the National Aquarium's Stranded Animal Hotline at 410-576-3880.