Out of curiosity, is it common for zoos to take in orphaned or otherwise rescued seals? I know that the Detroit Zoo's seals are rescued, I was curious if it was common in other zoos.
Many seals/sea lions in captivity in Australia and New Zealand are rescued or are the offspring of rescued animals (bar the exotics). That is how leopard seals (infrequently) and sub-Antarctic fur seals (more frequently) end up in captivity.
In the Netherlands we have a special facility which take care for stranded howlers and other rescued seals, Zeehondencreche Pieterburen and almost all seals went there. Most of them are release when they are healthy again. I guess in earlier days also some rescued animals ended in zoos but now-a-days most zoos breed their own animals so no need for new animals.
Taronga attempted to breed leopard seal (they never really publically announced it) but it was unsuccessful. Something to do with the fact that the male was so young when he was rescued that he never learnt the mating song needed to persuade the female to mate.
The Vancouver Aquarium frequently rescues seals and sea lions. Their goal is usually to treat and release if they can right on the beach but if necessary they take the animals to their rescue facility where they will be treated. If possible the animal is released. However if the animal will not be able to survive on its own in the wild they will try to find it a home at the aquarium or another zoo or aquarium. They have also taken in sea otters, dolphins, and porpoises. Currently they are raising an orphaned false killer whale calf who was found stranded when he was just a few days old. He cannot be released so he will end up at another aquarium when he is strong enough to make the move and a new home found.
Fota Wildlife Park in Ireland has rescued seals. The Seal habitat is linked to Cork Harbour, which means the estuarine environment is a very natural one as well as being a source of abundant food. The exhibit is also home to the White-tailed Sea Eagle.
Not necessarily. There isn't any actual concrete plan about moving him yet (still to early in the game), although there are ideas out there. The chance of him staying at the aquarium is just as great as him being transferred at the moment.
