Beloved Seal Pup "Chappy" Passes Away Due to Severe Gastrointestinal Issues

A gray seal pup affectionately known as Chappy, who captured public attention when found on Chapel Street in New Haven last February, has tragically passed away. According to Connecticut’s Mystic Aquarium, Chappy succumbed to severe gastrointestinal complications, despite dedicated care and initial signs of improvement.

Chappy initially came into the spotlight on February 16, after being discovered roaming Chapel Street, approximately a mile from Yale University and several blocks away from the coastline. Local police secured the stranded animal until experts from Mystic Aquarium were able to safely transport him to their facilities. Upon examination at the aquarium's Animal Rescue Clinic, staff determined he was only a few weeks old and suffering from mild pneumonia, dehydration, and malnutrition.

After receiving care at the aquarium, Chappy seemed to improve and even began learning how to eat independently. However, his underlying gastrointestinal condition persisted, ultimately deteriorating into a more serious state. Chappy's health worsened significantly, and despite intensive treatment, he passed away due to a condition called mesenteric torsion, where the intestines become twisted and cut off critical blood flow.

A subsequent necropsy revealed small plastic fragments inside his stomach, though aquarium staff clarified these did not directly lead to his death. Nonetheless, the presence of these plastics serves as a stark reminder of the dangers human waste presents to marine life. Staff emphasized the threat posed by marine debris and its ongoing impact on ocean wildlife.

Though Chappy's time with caregivers at Mystic Aquarium was brief, his story deeply moved the animal rescue team. In their public statement, the staff expressed gratitude and pride in having cared for the young seal pup. They also acknowledged the emotional difficulty inherent in animal rescue efforts, reinforcing that Chappy received compassionate attention throughout his treatment until the end.