Generally, a stranded animal is any live marine animal that is out of its element, or outside of its survival envelope (Geraci and Lounsbury, 1993). Examples of stranded animals include a dolphin lying on the beach, a seal that is out of its range, or an icebound whale.

Healthy seals, sea lions, walruses, and otters naturally haul out onto land at times to rest, mate, pup, or molt (Geraci and Lounsbury, 1993). This behavior is not considered stranding. A healthy pup, which may appear stranded because it is thin, feeble, and crying plaintively, may have a mother nearby (Geraci and Lounsbury, 1993).

A wild animal with an illness or injury generally will try to mask its symptoms for as long as possible to avoid predators.

In general, a marine animal may strand if it has a severe, debilitating illness or injury, or if it is too weak to hunt for food.

The term stranded is generally used to refer to marine mammals or sea turtles. SeaWorld also rescues a variety of ill and injured birds. Within this booklet, the term stranded refers to birds as well.

The correct use of the term beached is limited to dead animals that have washed up on shore (Geraci and Lounsbury, 1993).

When birds, marine mammals, or sea turtles strand, death is usually imminent if there is no intervention.