New Bedford Guide Your Guide to New Bedford and South Coast, MA
Statement by Keith Lovett, Director of Zoological Services
The Buttonwood Park Zoo’s 32 year old male Atlantic harbor seal, Sandy, has been experiencing gastrointestinal issues which are affecting his ability to hold down and digest all of his food. On Thursday, Sandy was transported to Massachusetts Veterinary Referral Hospital in Woburn, MA where a group of veterinarians from the Hospital, the New England Aquarium, and the Zoo’s Dr. Michele Sims performed several diagnostics. CT scan results indicated that Sandy has an abnormal liver. Several laparoscopic biopsies of Sandy’s liver were taken and pathology results are pending. Sandy is receiving supportive care at the zoo and Dr. Sims has described Sandy’s condition as guarded.
The Buttonwood Park Zoo is home to three Atlantic harbor seals. Sandy was found as a stranded pup on Sandy Neck Beach in Barnstable, MA in the summer of 1981. Sandy has resided at the Buttonwood Park Zoo since 1993. Atlantic harbor seals can be found along the northern Atlantic coast and have a life expectancy of 25-30 years.
