Baby seal safe after difficult premature birth
A fur seal experiences complications during labor at Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park and nursery staff hold a bucket to catch the baby.
A young fur seal at Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park in the Pudong New Area had a dangerous premature birth recently, but both the mother and baby are now safe thanks to the efforts of animal nursery staff.
Fur seals at the park often climb rock structures in their enclosure, and the premature birth took place on a dangerous ledge, the park operator said.
Keepers spotted the mother in labor during a patrol and also noticed that the baby seal was stuck in the birth canal. Nursery staff worked to calm the mother and help her through the difficult delivery.
Both were given medical checks and kept under observation after the delivery. They have recovered from the ordeal and the male seal is bonding with his mother.
Several fur seals at the ocean park are pregnant and expected to deliver babies in July, the park operator said.
