Pacific harbor seals are often among our first patients of the year, some so young their umbilical cords are still attached. Channels was one of them — skinny, orphaned and rescued just in time.

Despite the odds stacked against her, Channels showed off her expert swimming and diving skills as soon as she moved into her pen. Our animal care experts fed her a special formula gently through a tube to ensure she got vital nutrients. As Channels grew stronger, she began fish school lessons where specially trained volunteers used tactics such as dragging fish on a string through the water to encourage her instinct to chase prey.

After months of care, Channels learned critical survival skills and recovered. Our experts determined that Channels was ready for life in the wild, and she returned to her ocean home.