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The National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum has created a bobblehead for "Chappy," the baby seal found on a New Haven road. Police spotted the five-week-old male near the intersection of Chapel and East streets on Sunday, Feb. 16.
The Milwaukee museum will donate 10 percent of the proceeds from every Chappy bobblehead to the Mystic Aquarium, which is helping the gray seal recover.
"We're excited to unveil the first bobblehead featuring the now-famous New Haven seal," museum CEO and co-founder Phil Sklar said. "While New Haven is known more for its fabulous pizza, it was a lost baby seal who made the headlines recently. This bobblehead will be the perfect way for fans of "Chappy" to show off their love and support for New Haven's famous visitor!"
Officers and the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) guarded the pup before marine biologists could transport him for treatment at Mystic Aquarium. Chappy was found underweight and dehydrated, weighing only 28 pounds — seven pounds smaller than a healthy newborn seal.
Police joined many others in joking that Chappy wanted a slice of New Haven's delicacy: apizza.
"We assumed he was here to try the clam pizza but I can't confirm that," Officer Christian Bruckhart told USA Today. "We’re just happy he's safe."
Days before he was rescued, Chappy was spotted a few miles east in Branford, News 8 in New Haven reported. He was also seen near Shell & Bones Oyster Bar and Grill on the New Haven waterfront on Saturday, Feb. 15.
In an Instagram update posted on Tuesday, Feb. 25, Mystic Aquarium said Chappy "was showing signs of weakness" despite starting to eat fish for the first time.
"Like human babies, young seal pups are more susceptible to infections as their immune system has not reached its full strength," the aquarium posted. "He is being treated by our veterinarians for pneumonia and gastrointestinal issues. Our rescue team is currently providing world-class care to him, and we will continue to provide updates.
"Join us in sending good vibes for Chappy."
The aquarium also said veterinarians often spend months rehabilitating a seal before it can be released back into the ocean. It can cost up to $10,000 to care for each animal.
Chappy's story has gained national attention. His name — a reference to where he was found on Chapel Street — was officially unveiled on ABC's "Good Morning America" on Monday, Feb. 24.
The bobblehead depicts Chappy lying on a rectangular piece of street with an "inquisitive" look in his eyes "as he is looking for his next adventure in the Elm City." The base has the words "New Haven" on one side and "Chappy" on the other.
You can only buy the bobbleheads on the museum's website. They cost $30 and have a flat-rate $8 shipping fee.
The bobbleheads are expected to be shipped in August.
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