Ten spotted seals were released into the waters off the coastal city of Dalian in northeast China's Liaoning Province on Tuesday, marking a significant milestone in marine wildlife conservation efforts.
The seals, a mix of rescued individuals and artificially bred pups, were under the care of the Liaoning Ocean and Fisheries Science Research Institute. The rescued seals had been found injured or ill and were rehabilitated by specialists. The bred pups were part of a conservation program aimed at boosting the spotted seal population in the region.
Prior to their release, the seals underwent professional wilderness training to prepare them for life in the wild. This training equipped them with the ability to hunt live fish independently and adapt to their natural marine environment.
Spotted seals are a key species in the marine ecosystems of the Yellow and Bohai Seas. Their successful reintegration into the wild not only aids in the recovery of their own population but also contributes to the overall health of the marine ecosystem.
Local authorities and conservationists hope that these efforts will raise public awareness about marine conservation and encourage continued support for protecting the region's biodiversity.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
