How Our Team Named a Harbor Seal Pup
In late May 2026, a tiny harbor seal pup was struggling in Northeast Harbor on Mount Desert Island off the coast of Maine. A caring passerby spotted and reported her to the Maine Marine Mammal Reporting Hotline. A team of stranding partners transported the abandoned seal pup to Marine Mammals of Maine for the life-saving care she needed. She was just five days old, separated from her mother, and carrying a painful injury to her lower jaw. Thanks to the quick work of our stranding partners in Bar Harbor and the team at Marine Mammals of Maine (MMoME) – and after round-the-clock rehabilitation this little pup is thriving!
Rehabbing Maternally Dependent Harbor Seal Pups
When she was first rescued, at just 5 days old, she had little energy and a significant injury to her lower jaw after being separated from her mother. She needed medical intervention, which was over 200 miles away. This little pup had gone through so much in the first few days of life! She experienced trauma on her muzzle impacting the soft tissue of her lower jaw, but most of her teeth were still intact. Because of her injury, she required specialized feedings, wound care and medication during this critical stage of life to help facilitate healing.
As part of our ongoing relationship with MMoME, Rarebreed sponsored and supported her care, and one of the benefits was deciding upon a fitting name for her!
From Hundreds of Ideas to One Winning Name
The naming contest accepted submissions from Rarebreed’s entire team, drawing entries from hospitals and clinics across the country.
When the votes were counted, one name was the clear winner: “Sealena Gomez”. She edged out runners-up “Luseal” and “Dumpling” to become the harbor seal pup’s official name. In fact, eight different Rarebreed team members submitted the exact same idea, further endorsing this cute, clever and “punny” name for the loving seal pup.
A Second Chance, Made Possible by Supporting MMoME
Sealena’s injury required specialized feedings and wound care during a fragile stage of her recovery. Today, according to MMoME, her wounds have healed, she’s eating about 4.5 pounds of fish a day, and she has developed the skills she’ll need to thrive back in the wild.
As MMoME put it: “Because of caring supporters like Rarebreed, we were able to provide her with a second chance.”
Last week, some of our team members were able to enjoy a hands-on feeding with Sealena at MMoME, such a warm milestone after her months-long rehab journey.
Released Back into the Wild
Sealena is getting closer to being released back into the wild. Our team is in close communication with the amazing group at MMoME who will confirm a few days ahead of release time. This will be once she’s reached a healthy weight and received final clearance. We are optimistic that her return to the ocean is in the coming weeks.
Sealena, the entire Rarebreed family is cheering you on. To overcome all you have in your short life, you must be a rare breed, indeed!
Part 2 – Coming Soon!
