A young grey seal nursed back to health in Bermuda after it came ashore exhausted and dehydrated last month has now been flown to the Mystic Aquarium in Connecticut.

The male seal arrived at the facility’s animal rescue clinic on a chartered flight – to be released in the colder waters of the northern Atlantic Ocean once its recovery is complete.

It was named Northlands by Ruby Dill. the woman who discovered it at Clearwater Beach in St George’s – after the primary school attended by her granddaughter, Nadia.

The animals typically live on coasts from Canada to the northeastern United States.

Representatives from several Bermuda and US Government agencies mapped out travel plans to ensure permits were in place to send a protected marine mammal, and accompanying veterinarian, over international borders.

Allison Tuttle, Mystic Aquarium’s chief zoological officer, said getting the pup closer to home took collaboration between the Bermuda Aquarium, the Bermuda and US governments as well as Cargojet and Mystic Aquarium.

The pup had gained another 5.5lbs at his most recent examination on March 17, making his total body weight 43lbs.

Ian Walker of the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo thanked government agencies that waived fees to help in the seal’s return – along with Cargojet and its partner Cedar Aviation.

Seal strandings are rare in Bermuda, but the island teamed with Mystic Aquarium in 2019 to rescue an adult female that was named Lou-Seal.

Dr Walker added: “Success stories like these do not happen without the invaluable support and care of many different organisations in multiple countries, all working in tandem.”

The pup will remain at Mystic Aquarium until it is deemed healthy and then will be released back into his natural habitat.

Sarah Callan, manager of Mystic Aquarium’s animal rescue programme, declared Northlands “one lucky seal”.

“I don't think we will ever know how Northlands ended up in Bermuda at such a young age, but he was in the best possible hands with the team at the BAMZ.

“Our animal rescue programme at Mystic Aquarium is looking forward to continuing his rehabilitation care until he is ready to go back to his ocean home."