SWAMPSCOTT — A roughly 2-month-old baby seal that spent the day on Phillips Beach has made its way back to the ocean safely, police said.
“Our baby seal friend made their own way back to the ocean after taking a great nap on the beach,” police wrote in a Facebook post. “Thanks to all the concerned people who made us aware of the situation.”
The seal was first seen on Tuesday morning, and Swampscott Animal Control subsequently cordoned off the area of the beach where the seal was resting.
Police opted not to relocate the seal themselves, instead leaving it be and waiting for high tide to come in.
Police Chief Ruben Quesada said the department contacted the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife and the New England Aquarium, who referred them to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOA).
“An expert biologist has assessed the seal and believes that there is no exigency nor current life-threatening conditions to the seal. The biologist advised us to ensure the public is notified that it needs rest and recovery. We will continue to monitor the situation in hopes that it gets the rest it needs and safely returns to its natural habitat,” Quesada wrote in a statement to The Item.
A member of the public on Facebook suggested the seal be called “Cupid”, as it ended up on the beach on Valentine’s Day.
