Jensen T.H.1 , Hart L’t.1, Jiddou A.M. 2, Fall K.O’M. 2, Meulen K.v.d. 1, Osterhaus A.D.M.E.1
An orphaned monk seal pup (Monachus monachus) was found by Conservation Biodiversity–Habitat (CBD-Habitat) near the monk seal colony in Mauritania. The pup was brought to the Centre National des Recherches Océanographiques et de Pêches (CNROP) on September 18th 2001. The Seal Rehabilitation and Research Centre (SRRC) Pieterburen, The Netherlands was asked for assistance with the rehabilitation.
The monk seal was a female, measured 94 cm from headto tail and weighed 17 kg upon arrival. It was emaciated, dehydrated and suffered from an omphalophlebitis and a traumatic head injury.
The inflammation of the umbilicus and the wounds on the head were treated with amoxicillin with clavulanate (Synuloxâ) and acetaminophen (Paracetamolâ) was given during the first days. Episodes of constipation were treated with paraffin. A mild upper airway infection was treated with mycolytics (Fluimucilâ).
The monk seal was fed according to the SRRC standard protocol for monk seals. Initially the diet consisted of Multi-milkä. After three weeks the monk seal was given fish porridge based on locally caught Sardinella. Slowly the diet was changed from fish fillet to live fish.
During the rehabilitation period, the health status was monitored carefully according to the standard protocol. No complications occurred, no behavioural problems were observed and the monk seal was successfully released at a weight of 58 kg on February 27th 2002.
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