Snuffy
Barely More Than Skin and Bones: Northern Elephant Seal Snuffy
Species: Northern elephant seal
Age Class and Sex: Male pup
Date Rescued: April 1, 2024
Rescue Location: Abalone Cove Park, Rancho Palos Verdes
Diagnosis: Malnourishment
Date Released: August 21, 2024
Northern elephant seal pup Snuffy was found in Rancho Palos Verdes at the south end of Abalone Cove Park near the tidepools.
Named for the Sesame Street character better known as Mr. Snuffleupagus, Snuffy was lethargic and emaciated, barely more than skin and bones lying atop the pebbled beach. His face was covered in flies that he was too tired to swat away.
On the day of his rescue, the road was washed out with mud and no vehicles were able to drive all the way down the beach, so Snuffy had to be carried out on a stretcher with help from the lifeguards.
After arriving at our hospital, Snuffy was given fluids to help hydrate and stabilize him. He was fed a “fish smoothie” made from mashed-up fish and fish oil until he was strong enough to start transitioning to whole fish.
It took Snuffy more than four months to regain his strength and a healthy amount of weight, but once he did, he returned triumphantly back to the wild.
Northern elephant seal pups like Snuffy sometimes struggle to find food on their own after weaning. Without help, they are unable to thrive in the wild. Support from compassionate people like you enables our experts to rescue and care for these vulnerable young animals. Will you help ensure we have the resources and equipment needed to rescue pups like Snuffy that need a helping hand?
