15-year-old rescues newborn seal from the a beach in Mani

A newborn seal was spotted swimming alone near the coast and was rescued by the National Marine Wildlife Spawn Management Network and MOm (Hellenic Society for the Study and Protection of the Monk Seal), as reported by the Cetacean Rescue & Care Research Centre ARION in their post on Facebook.

Last Friday, near the village of Agios Dimitrios in Mani, an English tourist saw a baby seal struggling with the waves among the rocks. By the time the rescue service arrived, the animal had already moved away and was lost in the open sea.

Mr Dimitris Tsiakalos from MOm explained to To Pet Mou that although the animal was lively and appeared in good condition, it was critical that it was immediately reunited with its mother to survive.

The next day, it became clear that the seal was lost as it reappeared further south, and the residents of the area collectively mobilised with the "Toulipa Goulimi" Association to catch it.

Finally, 15-year-old Konstantinos took the baby animal in his arms and pulled him out of the rocks. In his honour, the adorable seal was named Konstantina.

That same evening, Konstantina was transferred to the MOm Care Centre in Spata, where Prof. Anastasia Komninou, the responsible veterinarian, examined her.

The results of the first tests and the animal's weight are encouraging. However, the seal is still in critical condition, as its mother abruptly stopped nursing.

In its post, ARION writes: "We sincerely thank the website @ManiTravelerGreece for the correct information and guidance to citizens, the @ΣύλλογοΤουλίπαΓουλιμή, and especially Mrs. Maria Aroni, who rushed to the scene to provide first aid, and 15-year-old Konstantinos Gateas, a resident of the area, without whose contribution the little seal would not have been rescued in time. The fight for the survival of little Konstantina and her return to the natural environment has just begun!"

Mr Dimitris Tsiakalos pointed out to To Pet Mou that, if things are going well, the animals' reintegration will take place after 3-4 months, after the animal reaches the appropriate weight and changes its coat and teeth so that it can feed itself off fish.

MOm informs the public that the Mediterranean seal's birthing season is from the end of August until October.

Any citizen who encounters a baby swimming alone near the shore is asked to immediately inform MOm so that the necessary actions can be taken to evaluate, rescue, and treat the animal.

MOm Contact Phone: +302105222888

Stella Panopoulo is a columnist for To Pet Mou. Translated by Paul Antonopoulos. 

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