Two mediterranean monk seals, Lena and Nicole, were found by locals in Euboea and Argolis, Greece in October. They were orphaned, only a couple weeks old, weak, dehydrated and starving. The baby seals were taken to Spata by MOm (Hellenic Society for the Study and Protection of the Monk Seal) where they remained for the next four months. The girls now weigh 57 and 55 kg respectively and after their last exams which showed they’re in excellent health, it was decided they should be freed.
The seals were freed back around the Cyclades islands in the Aegean Sea, which is the most important hot spot of the Mediterranean Monk Seal due to its many sea caves that the seals use as shelters. The young seals were a little hesitant at first but they soon spotted a group of fish and started hunting together. Lena and Nicole were named after the women who took care of them and contacted MOm.
*Greek artciles I used for this post: 1 and 2 in which you can also watch MOm’s video of returning Lena and Nicole back to their natural habitat.
**The Mediterranean Monk Seal is an endangered species and the rarest pinnipied species in the world. In 2015, it was estimated that fewer than 700 individuals survive in three isolated subpopulations (Aegean Sea, Archipelago of Madeira and Cabo Blanco). MOm also studies and protects the North Aegean Dolphin. If you are interested, there are many ways to support MOm in its efforts (i.e donating, becoming a member, adopting a seal, volunteering or buying from their Financial Support Shop). Here’s their website’s link for more information.
