Chappy was initially found “bright and alert and looking good” on Feb. 16

Chappy, the baby seal found stranded on a busy Connecticut road in February, has died.

Mystic Aquarium announced Chappy’s death on March 3 in a Facebook post, sharing that the baby seal persevered through his injuries as long as possible. The aquarium’s animal rescue clinic started caring for the seal pup after a passerby in New Haven spotted Chappy stuck on a busy road. The New Haven Police Department protected the seal pup after he was found until the aquarium could move the animal to its facility.

“While Chappy initially presented with the primary issues of dehydration, malnutrition, and mild pneumonia, and he initially responded well to treatment, his condition declined in subsequent days as he was transitioned onto whole fish and began having digestive difficulties,” the post read.

“Unfortunately, despite all the efforts, his gastrointestinal issues were too severe to treat, and he succumbed to his disease,” the aquarium added.

Following a complete necropsy, those at the aquarium found that Chappy’s intestines were wrapped around his mesentery, contributing to his digestive issues while cutting off blood supply to much of his gastrointestinal tract. The aquarium also added that bits of plastic were found in Chappy’s stomach. Though they’re not immediately relevant to the seal’s cause of death, the aquarium said it continues to “highlight the threat that marine debris, especially plastics, poses to marine animals.”

“The reality of working with stranded animals can be tough sometimes, but Chappy was surrounded by love until the very end,” the post concluded.

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According to the Associated Press, on Feb. 16, the seal was spotted on a street near Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut, nearly 1,000 feet from the nearest river. After police responded, Mystic Aquarium picked up the seal pup and provided treatment and care.

When the seal was discovered, Chappy was “bright and alert and looking good,” said Francesca Battaglia, the aquarium’s animal rescue technician. She joked to the AP, “We assumed he was here to try the clam pizza, but I can’t confirm that. We’re just happy he’s safe.”

Poor little Chappy glad he got some help and love at the end of his life 🥲💔🌈🙏💕⭐️
RIP SWEET CHAPPY 🙏❤