Seal given second chance after lifesaving rescue

An Australian Fur Seal with fishing line wound dangerously around its neck has been granted a second chance at life after being rescued in the nick of time.  

Helpless and suffering on the rocks at Pope's Eye in Port Phillip Bay, the seal had a large hook embedded in its lip and a heavy sinker dangling from fishing line entangled around its neck.  

Melbourne Zoo Marine Response Unit (MRU) coordinator Mark Keenan said the team rushed to the seal's aid after they were alerted to the distressed animal by a tour boat in the area.  

 "The heavy sinker on the line was extremely distressing for the seal and absolutely would have been a life-threatening situation if not removed," Mr Keenan said.  

 "The Melbourne Zoo vet team and MRU sedated the animal and then swam out to the structure where seals often come to rest and carefully removed the line before it cut the seal's neck any deeper." 

 After manoeuvring the seal and delicately cutting the line, the team was able to peel the entanglement away from the seal’s neck, before reversing the sedation and monitoring the seal carefully until it was fully awake and displaying normal behaviours. 

 "Luckily we were able to reach the seal quickly, so the line hadn't embedded into its neck and we were able to do a really satisfying removal," Mr Keenan said.  

 "Other than a painful lip in the short-term, the seal is expected to make a full recovery, which is a fantastic outcome." 

 Each year, Melbourne Zoo’s Marine Response Unit receives thousands of calls about marine wildlife in distress or entangled in fishing waste. Zoos Victoria works with the Victorian Fisheries Authority to install ‘Seal the Loop’ bins where anglers can dispose of any unwanted fishing gear.  

 Anyone who sees a marine animal in distress should call the Melbourne Zoo Marine Response Unit on 1300 245 678.

For more information visit zoo.org.au/fighting-extinction/marine-response-unit/