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The gray seal nicknamed "Chappy" has died, Mystic Aquarium said in an Instagram post on Monday, Mar. 3. The male pup was brought to the aquarium's Animal Rescue Clinic on Sunday, Feb. 16 after New Haven police found him stranded near the intersection of Chapel and East streets.
At first, Chappy responded well to treatments for dehydration, malnutrition, and mild pneumonia, but he struggled with digestion after transitioning to eating whole fish.
"The Mystic Aquarium staff are proud that they were able to give Chappy the best chance possible and are devastated by this outcome," the aquarium posted. "The reality of working with stranded animals can be tough sometimes, but Chappy was surrounded by love until the very end."
Despite extensive veterinary care, Chappy couldn't survive severe gastrointestinal complications. A necropsy revealed he had mesenteric torsion, a condition where the intestines twist and cut off blood supply.
The prognosis for this condition is poor and difficult to diagnose.
"In addition, while unrelated to Chappy's immediate cause of death, small pieces of plastic were found in his stomach highlighting the threat that marine debris, especially plastics, poses to marine animals," the aquarium said.
Chappy was found underweight and dehydrated, weighing only 28 pounds — seven pounds smaller than a healthy newborn seal. He had also been spotted a few miles east in Branford and near Shell & Bones Oyster Bar and Grill on the New Haven waterfront, News 8 reported.
Fans of Chappy mourned the loveable seal's death.
"I'm so sorry to hear this," one Instagram commenter wrote. "I've been following his story. Thinking of all of you who did your best to save this little guy! ❤️"
"Thank you for doing all you could to help Chappy," another person commented. "He touched so many people and hopefully brought empathy and awareness that marine life is precious. Grateful to your team ❤️."
The story of Chappy spread nationwide. Police joined many people joking the pup wanted to try a slice of New Haven's famous apizza.
Chappy's name — a reference to Chapel Street — was officially unveiled on ABC's "Good Morning America" on Monday, Feb. 24. The National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum created a bobblehead depicting Chappy when he was spotted.
The Milwaukee museum will donate 10 percent of the proceeds from the $30 bobbleheads to the Mystic Aquarium.
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