A Young seal is in RSPCA care after being found without her mum on a Pembrokeshire beach.
The grey seal was found on Whitesands near St David’s on 22 August, and was the first young pup of the season found in the area.
RSPCA animal collection officer Ellie West said: “She was what we call a ‘white coat’ as she had all her fluffy white fur coat as she was so young, in fact she was only about 24 hours old.
“She was struggling in the surf of the sea which is unusual as pups stay on land usually till they moult their white coat at around two to three weeks old. They are then left to fend for themselves by their mothers and will take to the water.
“In this case sadly there was no sign of mum, and some dogs on the beach had become interested in the pup.”
The seal was first picked up by Terry Leadbetter and John Beavis from Welsh Marine Life Rescue and was then passed into the care of the RSPCA after the pup had been assessed and given rehydration fluids.
She has now been taken into the RSPCA’s West Hatch wildlife centre for rehabilitation where she will be for some months until ready for being released back into the wild.
This pup was obviously in distress, but not all lone seal pups have been abandoned. If you find a seal pup that looks fit and healthy and shows no signs of distress monitor it first from a safe distance for 24 hours. Please don’t touch seal pups and keep dogs and other animals away from them.
If the mother does not return within 24 hours, or you think that the pup is sick or injured – please keep a safe distance and call our 24-hour cruelty line on 0300 1234 999.
If you would like to help the RSPCA, you can give £3 now by texting HELP to 78866 (text costs £3 + one standard network rate message).
