How the heck does an Arctic seal wind up in a South Florida river? I don’t have a clue, but the little seal, named Hope, was removed for his safety and later died. The seal was spotted in the Indian River Lagoon and go away from rescue workers - keep in mind, this is a species normally not seen south of Boston. How did he ever survive the trip, let alone the 78 degree temps in the water? Living in the Tarpon River wasn’t doing him any good either. He couldn’t find the right food, and the warm temps were taking their toll, so he had to be grabbed in order to be given a chance. Unfortunately, the little guy died once he got to Sea World in Orlando.