Seal Returns to the Ocean After Rehab for Stab Wounds

An adorable 1-year-old rescued seal pup named Poppy was released back into the ocean Thursday morning after months of rehabilitation. Picked by the International Fund for Animal Welfare in Provincetown, Massachusetts on Mar. 26, Poppy was found suffering from severe hydration, multiple stab wounds and a penetrating gash through her skull. She was immediately taken […]

Published on June 12, 2015 07:20 PM

An adorable 1-year-old rescued seal pup named Poppy was released back into the ocean Thursday morning after months of rehabilitation.

Picked by the International Fund for Animal Welfare in Provincetown, Massachusetts on Mar. 26, Poppy was found suffering from severe hydration, multiple stab wounds and a penetrating gash through her skull. She was immediately taken to the Mystic Aquarium’s Animal Rescue Clinic, where she was treated for three months.

“She had these big open wounds,” says Dr. Allison Tuttle, senior director of animal care and veterinary services. “It was a very sad case. She was obviously in a lot of pain. We think she may have been stabbed by a net knife from a boat.”

But Poppy remained calm throughout her recovery, and soon became a favorite among veterinarians at the clinic.

“We gave her a second chance at life, and that is a true success story,” Tuttle tells PEOPLE.

After specialized medical care and intense rehabilitation at the clinic, the adorable baby seal crawled back to sea at a Charlestown, Rhode Island beach.

Although watching Poppy return home was rewarding for her caretakers, it was also a sad moment, according to Tuttle.

“We will miss having her around. She took everything in stride. But ultimately, we are happy for her, of course!”