Two seal pups make their way back to open water

Members of the Manetuck Elementary School community in the West Islip Union Free School District gathered together to celebrate the release of two rehabilitated seals returning back to the waters at Robert Moses Beach on June 20.

Thanks to the efforts of students, staff, and members of the school’s community service club, Manetuck Elementary School sponsored two seals that were rescued earlier this year by the New York Marine Rescue Center. Founded in 1996, the New York Marine Rescue Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization which relies on public donations to help support the various efforts, which include response and rehabilitation of marine mammals and sea turtles, as well as community outreach and educational programs.

The male seal pup was rescued on the Outer Beach at Smith Point with a thin white rope around its neck on April 5. The female gray pup was discovered at Ditch Plains Beach in Montauk on May 28 and was entangled in fishing line.

For the Manetuck community’s efforts, they had the opportunity to name the seals. The students chose Kyle and Matthew, a tribute to two West Islip students who tragically lost their lives last year.

The community service club has raised close to $100,000 during the past 19 years to help rehabilitate sea animals.