Mystic — Mystic Aquarium has announced that its Animal Rescue Program released a rehabilitated juvenile gray seal Tuesday that had stranded on Masons Island two months ago. 

The aquarium rescued the 1-week-old male gray seal on Jan. 23 after residents reported him to the aquarium's stranding hotline. After 10 weeks of rehabilitation at the aquarium, the seal was released off the Rhode Island coast.

In its announcement Wednesday, the aquarium said it determined Burgee was a maternally dependent, abandoned pup that would not survive without being rescued. The aquarium said seal pups are born on land and can become separated from their mothers if there is any disturbance that could frighten the mother away. When the seal was brought to Mystic Aquarium, it was fed formula and then taught to eat fish. 

"Our Animal Rescue Program extends a heartfelt 'thank you' to the Mason's Island Community who sighted this pup when he stranded and called our animal rescue hotline," said Dr. Allison Tuttle, the aquarium's senior vice president of zoological operations.

The aquarium said gray seals are native to the coast of Connecticut but people who sight them are encouraged to keep a distance of 100 yards and report the sightings to its Animal Rescue Program hotline, (860) 572-5955, ext. 107.