Grey Seal Tom Sawyer Heads Out On His Next Adventure, Returns to Ocean Home

On Wednesday, August 11, juvenile grey seal Tom Sawyer was released back into the ocean at Assateague State Park. Tom Sawyer was rescued from Delaware on April 19, in coordination with the Marine Education Research and Rehabilitation Institute. Upon arrival to the National Aquarium's Animal Care and Rescue Center, it was determined that Tom Sawyer was suffering from an eye ulcer, lungworm infection, and injuries to his flipper and mouth. The Animal Health and Rescue teams immediately went to work to stabilize Tom and treat his lungworm infection.

Once the teams were able to clear his lungworm infection, and his eye and flipper fully healed, they could turn their attention to his tooth and jaw injuries. Through radiographs and working with a veterinary dental specialist, the team was able to assess the extent of his injuries. It was determined that he had a symphysis fracture, located where the right and left sides of the lower jaw connect at the chin. In addition, they ruled out any major tooth injuries and found that previous infections had cleared. After diagnosis, Tom was sedated and received a temporary acrylic bridge to stabilize the lower jaw. Tom was now well on his way to his final test before being released.

Before Tom was officially cleared for release, there was one more hurdle to cross or fence to paint. The Animal Health and Rescue teams challenged Tom to a live prey test. During most of Tom's stay, he was not fed live fish, but that did not stop him from devouring up to eight pounds a day. Of course, Tom passed this test with flying colors and the team expects him to quickly surpass his outgoing weight of 69 pounds as he settles back into his natural habitat.

"Tom Sawyer was our third seal patient of the 2021 season and he certainly had his challenges," said National Aquarium's Director of Animal Rescue Jennifer Dittmar. "Much of Tom's rehabilitation required patience, as the process to treat lungworms can take multiple courses of medication. As we say farewell to Tom, my team and I are currently preparing for the next rescue season's cast of characters."

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 Greater Atlantic Region Stranding Network to help respond, rescue and release animals year-round.