Chappy, the gray seal pup who captured hearts after being rescued from the streets of New Haven, Connecticut, has tragically died due to severe gastrointestinal issues. The Mystic Aquarium announced the news on social media, expressing the heartbreak and sadness surrounding the loss of the young animal.

Found on February 16 wandering far from any coastal waters, Chappy was initially rescued by local police officers after a passerby reported seeing a seal “running back and forth” near an underpass, which was over a quarter-mile from the water, as noted by the New York Times. At that time, Chappy was lethargic and severely underweight, weighing only 28 pounds, significantly less than the typical weight for a newborn gray seal.

Upon his rescue, Chappy received immediate care from the Mystic Aquarium, where he underwent treatment for dehydration, malnutrition, and mild pneumonia. Initially, staff reported that he responded well to treatment, even beginning to eat fish for the first time. However, his condition took a serious turn when he started facing difficulties in digesting whole fish, leading to further complications.

A necropsy revealed that Chappy suffered from mesenteric torsion, a potentially fatal condition where the intestines twist, restricting blood supply and leading to severe gastrointestinal distress. According to the aquarium's statement, this condition is difficult to diagnose and usually carries a poor prognosis, making Chappy's situation far more severe than anticipated.

The aquarium also reported that small pieces of plastic were found in his stomach, highlighting the ongoing threat of marine debris to wildlife, which has become a concerning issue for many marine species every year.The Independent noted that Chappy’s condition was a reminder that pollution can have tragic consequences for marine life.

As news of his passing circulated, both the Mystic Aquarium and the New Haven Police Department shared their sorrow, thanking the community for their support and encouragement. “Chappy was surrounded by love until the very end,” stated aquarium officials, expressing their pride in providing care for the young seal during his brief time with them.