Fecal microbiota transplants as a tool to improve rehabiliation of stranded northern elephant seal (Mirounga angustirostris) pups

Citation

Guarasci S, Peters M, Field C, Maslanka M, Muletz-Wolz C, Thacher P, and Bornbusch S. 2025. Fecal microbiota transplants as a tool to improve rehabiliation of stranded northern elephant seal (Mirounga angustirostris) pups. In Treiber K, Brooks M, D’amato-Anderson J, Nylander J, Eds. Proceedings of the Sixteenth Conference on Zoo and Wildlife Nutrition, AZA Nutrition Advisory Group, Oklahoma City, OK.

Abstract

Every year, hundreds of northern elephant seal (NES) pups are stranded and subsequently rescued for rehabilitation and potential release. Most of these pups suffer from severe malnutrition, resulting in high rates of morbidity and mortality. There is a growing need to improve rehabilitation strategies for NES pups, as well as other pinnipeds. Microbiome therapies can provide novel treatments that build on existing rehabilitation protocols by promoting beneficial gut microbiome structure and function. Here, we use fecal microbiota transplants (FMTs) – using feces from wild, weaned NES pups of the same age – as a treatment to improve NES rehabilitation. Specifically, we investigate whether FMTs (i) modulate NES pup enteric microbiota, (ii) improve gastrointestinal health and nutrient absorption, and (iii) quicken the transition to whole-fish diet, thus minimizing time spent in rehabilitation. Beyond allowing us to identify relationships between nutritional status (via serum markers), gut microbiomes, and rehabilitation benchmarks, this study provides practical guidelines for the preparation and administration of FMTs in pinnipeds, which can be widely applied across animal care and rehabilitation facilities.

GuarSealFMTZN2025Poster.pdf     203 KB