Greek monk seal research and protection NGO MOm, announced today that it had rescued an orphaned Mediterranean monk seal pup on the Aegean island of Evia on 8 October 2010.
The pup had been observed struggling in stormy seas and strong winds of 8 Beaufort before emerging onto Pili beach on Evia’s northern coast. Residents contacted the Port Police, who in turn alerted MOm, setting the rescue in operation.
According to MOm’s Rescue Coordinator, Marianna Psaradellis, the male pup, who has been named “Lazarus”, is approximately 10 days old, and is presumed to have been separated from its mother by the storm. Initial diagnosis on site found Lazarus to be suffering from hypothermia, dehydration and exhaustion.
After receiving first aid, Lazarus was transferred to MOm’s rehabilitation unit — a small prefabricated building, long overdue for replacement — in Steni Vala, Alonnisos. Veterinary care is being overseen by Professor Natasa Komninou of the Veterinary School of the University of Thessaloniki. All being well, the rehabilitation process is expected to last 5 months.
Sources / further information:
MOm. 2010. Press release. An orphaned Mediterranean monk seal pup found and rescued in Evoia, 11 October 2010. [PDF 70 KB]
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