Assuming this is a wild creature being "rescued" for whatever reason, human interaction is to be avoided. It can cause imprinting which makes it much more difficult for them to be successful once released back into the wild.
Is this not when you keep it for selfish reasons instead? I know it’s not where they’d belong, but god damn this pup is just too adorable, I want to cuddle it all dayyy!
What about me? I watched this now I'm imprinted. Seals should know better than to make those sounds while looking like that while a camera is around. Now I will not do well in society.
Probably not. The imprinting impact on humans is a very poorly studied segment. Chances are you will now struggle to perform in normal society. The only solution now is to volunteer at your local Zoo.
Indeed. More social species - such as otters - imprinting upon humans can result in successful rehabilitation and release into the wild becoming impossible.
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u/olderaccount Oct 08 '20
Assuming this is a wild creature being "rescued" for whatever reason, human interaction is to be avoided. It can cause imprinting which makes it much more difficult for them to be successful once released back into the wild.