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Stranded animals stir tough decisions: experts propose guidelines for when to rehabilitate, release, and euthanize.
- Article from:
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Oceanus
- Article date:
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April 1, 2008
- Author:
- Madin, Kate
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Copyright informationCOPYRIGHT 2008 Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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A seal, sick or injured, is found stranded on a beach. What to do depends on whom you ask.
Animal welfare advocates would urge efforts to help the disabled animal. Scientists might want to rehabilitate, release, and track it to learn more about wildlife populations. Veterinarians might welcome the rare opportunity to discover more about wildlife diseases and physiology--though they would also be wary of exposure to diseases that could be transmitted to humans.
The range of perspectives doesn't end there. California or East Coast fishermen might not shed a tear about losing one out of a proliferating population of seals that they perceive to ...