Chappy, the gray seal pup rescued from a busy street in New Haven, Connecticut, has died. The Mystic Aquarium announced his passing on March 5, 2025, after he suffered from severe digestive issues while under care.
- Chappy, the gray seal pup, has died.
- Found underweight on a New Haven street.
- Suffered from dehydration and malnutrition.
- Died of mesenteric torsion complications.
- Mystic Aquarium staff were devastated by loss.
Chappy was discovered on February 16 when New Haven police received reports of a seal wandering near a bridge underpass. At just a few weeks old and approximately a quarter to half a mile away from water, he was suffering from dehydration and malnutrition upon rescue. The aquarium staff began treating him with diluted fish formula and fluids to help him gain weight.
Initially responding well to treatment, Chappy faced complications as he transitioned to a whole fish diet. Despite efforts to stabilize his health, he developed serious digestive problems that led to his death. A necropsy revealed that mesenteric torsion was the cause of death—an intestinal twisting condition that restricts blood flow.
- Chappy had severe dehydration and malnutrition upon rescue.
- The aquarium’s staff expressed devastation over his passing.
- This condition is often difficult to diagnose and carries a poor prognosis.
The aquarium stated that its team worked diligently to provide the best care possible for Chappy. His case garnered national attention and highlighted the challenges faced by wildlife rescuers in rehabilitating injured animals. This unfortunate outcome serves as a reminder of the vulnerabilities wildlife face in urban environments.
The loss of Chappy underscores the difficulties encountered in marine animal rehabilitation efforts. Despite initial hopes for recovery, the complexities of wildlife health can lead to tragic outcomes even with dedicated care.
