Seal pup saved by RSPCA after exhausting 120km sea journey

GREY seal pup is receiving RSPCA specialist care after he was found dehydrated and underweight in Wales following a four-day, 120km journey from Port Gaverne, Cornwall.

- IAN LEWIS

The moulted pup was fully weaned, but was found in a thin condition and spotted on the rocks at St Brides Bay, Pembrokeshire, on December 11.

On arrival, RSPCA animal rescue officer and wildlife officer Ellie West said she had concerns about him immediately.

“The pup was dehydrated and in a thin body condition with obvious rolls of skin that should have been filled with fat/blubber,’ she said.

“Talso noticed he had marks on his back, similar to the spray marks we put on seals after we have assessed them, so if we get further calls or they come into care again we know we have seen them already.”

But Ellie noted the colour of the marks were different to the usual used in the area so she contacted the British Divers Marine Life Rescue who confirmed they had checked on the seal.

Ellie said: “British Divers Marine Life Rescue confirmed that the pup was the same one their volunteers had marked four days previously on December 7 at Port Gaverne, north Cornwall. The pup was very feisty and a borderline weight at that time and he was released. With space in wildlife rehab centres at a real premium for seals, this particular seal was deemed suitable to be given another chance in the wild without intervention.

“However, in the four days after this, he made his way to St Brides Bay - travelling basically in a straight line - and covering a distance of around 120km!

‘This is a really long swim for a young pup! During these few days he had lost more weight and now on the Pembroke-shire coastline he was dehydrated and passing some very dark loose faeces. He also had some ulcers in his mouth.”