(ANIMAL NEWS) GERMANY- The Dortmund Zoo in Germany recently presented one of its newest additions: a rare, albino South American fur seal pup. Sadly, his mother suddenly died a few days afterwards, leaving the unnamed pup alone. The zoo is fortunately taking every possible measure to ensure the orphaned seal will be raised happy and healthy. Read on to learn more about this tragedy and the zoo’s commendable response, and check out some heartwarming photos taken of the pair. — Global Animal
Photo Credit: Caroline Seidel / EPA
MSNBC, Laura T. Coffey
Sad news from Germany’s Dortmund Zoo: Shortly after the public debut of an extremely rare — and extremely adorable — baby albino fur seal, the seal pup’s mom died suddenly.
Zoo officials happily introduced the baby South American fur seal to visitors and photographers for the first time mere days ago, on July 20. The seal pup delighted onlookers by snuggling up to his mom, Harimée, nuzzling her nose and draping himself over her back. Harimée had given birth to her exceptional albino baby on May 26; mom and pup stayed out of the limelight until last week so the pair could bond and adjust to their new life together.
The albino South American fur seal pup will be given special care by zoo employees after the death of his mother. Photo Credit: Caroline Seidel / AFP – Getty Imagess
The Dortmund Zoo announced on its website that Harimée died suddenly and unexpectedly at age 16. Female South American fur seals can live up to 30 years, and the zoo plans to conduct an autopsy to determine her cause of death.
In the meantime, zoo workers have taken Harimée’s still-unnamed baby boy back behind the scenes so they can feed him by hand and keep a close eye on him. Young albino fur seals can experience a range of health problems, including visual sensitivity.
The Dortmund Zoo website says the baby albino fur seal will be given everything he needs, including a swimming pool and other fur seal pals for companionship. Zoo officials asked visitors to be understanding about their decision to put the pup back in isolation: “The welfare of the animal is paramount.”
This is not the first time the Dortmund Zoo had to raise an orphaned seal pup by hand. A young male named Samson — not an albino— lost his mother in death at the zoo in 2006.
Zoo visitors are still being invited to vote for their favorite name for Harimée’s newborn seal pup. Name options include Chilo, Albus, Claro, Rubio and Branco.
Here are some additional photos from mom and baby’s last moments together:
A rare, albino South American seal pup pictured with his late mom. Photo Credit: Tim Schulz / AP
Photo Credit: Philipp Guelland / AP
The baby albino seal pup and his late mother pose for a few last photos. Photo Credit: Caroline Seidel / AFP – Getty Images
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