Rare seal pup with crooked nose finds forever home after rescue

A seal pup with a rare facial deformity has found a permanent home after being rescued in mid-March. Named Van Zaychik, the young animal arrived at the Tulen Rehabilitation Center on 16 March with a crooked nose and a mouth that would not fully shut. Such cases are uncommon, with no documented parallels in scientific records for seals or other marine mammals.

The pup's condition initially raised questions about possible trauma or genetic defects. Yet, unlike most similar situations, euthanasia was not chosen—thanks to an early commitment to provide lifelong care.

When Van Zaychik first reached the centre, specialists discovered a large amount of sand packed inside its mouth. The deformity had left the pup with only one functional nostril, which had widened over time to compensate for the loss of the other. Under standard veterinary protocols, animals in this state are often euthanised, as they cannot survive in the wild.

Rather than opt for immediate action, the team decided to monitor the pup's progress. While congenital defects like this are occasionally seen in marine mammals, no broader evolutionary or historical patterns exist in scientific literature. The centre's staff gave Van Zaychik time to stabilise, avoiding drastic measures until a clearer picture of its health emerged.

After weeks of observation, the seal pup showed signs of resilience. The decision was then made to guarantee it a permanent place in care, ensuring it would not face the near-certain death that would come with release into natural habitats.

Van Zaychik will now live out its life under the supervision of the Tulen Rehabilitation Center. The case remains unique, as no prior records detail similar facial anomalies in seals. Without the ability to survive independently, the pup's future depends entirely on the continued support of its carers.