Shoebert the Seal: A Surprise Return Visit to Massachusetts
The Mystery Visitor in Shoe Pond
When a 230-pound gray seal appeared in Shoe Pond in Beverly, Massachusetts, locals had no idea they were about to meet a very special visitor. The seal, quickly named Shoebert after his chosen habitat, made himself at home in the pond for about a week. During his stay, he became something of a local star.
Relocation Challenges
Though Shoebert seemed content in his new freshwater digs, wildlife experts knew that the busy area wasn't the safest place for him. They decided to try to relocate him back to the ocean where he belonged.
What they didn't count on was Shoebert's craftiness. The seal showed interest in the rescue team but always managed to stay just beyond their reach. After spending a full day trying to catch him, the tired team finally called it quits for the night.
A Midnight Surprise
At 2:30 AM, the local police called the wildlife team with surprising news. Shoebert had taken matters into his own flippers! He had left the pond on his own, wiggled his way across an empty parking lot, and plopped himself down right in front of the police station.
On land, the seal was much easier to handle. Rescuers were able to guide him into a kennel and take him to Mystic Aquarium for a health check.
An Old Friend Returns
The biggest surprise came during Shoebert's medical exam. When staff at the aquarium compared his spots and scars to their records, they made an amazing discovery. This wasn't just any seal - this was Jekyll, a seal they had rescued from Cape Cod back in 2018!
It seemed that Shoebert (formerly known as Jekyll) had found a unique way to come back and say thank you to the humans who had helped him before.
Back to the Ocean
After getting a clean bill of health, Shoebert was returned to the ocean where he belongs. To honor his memorable journey from the pond to the police station, the city put up a special seal crossing sign.
Sometimes the most touching reunions come in the most unexpected forms - even in the shape of a seal doing the worm across a parking lot in the middle of the night.
