Eskişehir Metropolitan Municipality Zoo and SAD-AFAG have successfully completed the care process of a Mediterranean seal pup that was separated from its mother during a storm on the Çaltıcak coast of Antalya on December 4, 2024 and fell into need of help. Following a four-day on-site observation and rescue, followed by a three-month meticulous care, feeding and rehabilitation process, the seal pup will soon be released into the sea from the undeveloped coast of Antalya.
The pup seal, which was determined to be dying on the stormy coast by the Underwater Research Association-Mediterranean Seal Research Group (SAD-AFAG) researchers on the Antalya coast, was brought to the Eskişehir Metropolitan Municipality Zoo after on-site observations and detailed assessment. The joint work process planned by the two institutions to rehabilitate the pup seal was carried out with great care. The pup seal, which was taken under care with the coordination of the Nature Conservation and National Parks (DKMP) authorities in Antalya and Eskişehir, was taken into care at the Eskişehir Zoo.
Since they have never had a bottle of milk due to their biology, the seal pup began to develop by being fed fish puree and later solid fish. After an intensive and meticulous care process, the seal pup is being prepared to be released back into nature in a healthy manner. Mediterranean seal care experts who are conducting the process said that seal rehabilitation is a physical and behavioral development program, and that the pup gains the necessary condition and behavioral skills to live in nature.
This process, called “Monachus’s Return to Blue”, was recorded as a successful study carried out jointly by Eskişehir Zoo and SAD-AFAG. The baby seal is now in the final stage of the care process and will soon be released to a shore that is not subject to intense human activities, is suitable for its natural habitat, and is far from construction and concreting.
The Mediterranean monk seal research and protection efforts carried out by SAD-AFAG on the Turkish coast are supported by The Monk Seal Alliance. This challenging process aims to contribute to the protection of the species by returning the baby seal to nature.
