GSPCA rescues its first seal pup of the year
GUERNSEY’S first seal rescue of 2022 has seen a severely underweight pup getting the care it needs.
A poorly, thin seal was reported to the GSPCA earlier this week and it was rescued yesterday.
Named Maverick, the grey seal is now in the charity’s intensive care unit, separate from the GSPCA’s other seals.
GSPCA head of marine mammals Geoff George captured the pup at Les Pecqueries.
‘It is only 14kg, and it should be well over 40kg at its young age, and is very chesty,’ he said.
‘Despite being unwell and extremely thin, it is very feisty.’
In the last 10 years the charity has helped 18 grey seal pups back to the wild.
Currently the charity has six other seals in its care – Sizzle, Luna C, Jagho Herman and Blueberry from Guernsey and Aurora and Eliza the Jersey pups.
‘Some are looking so well we are hoping to release them in the next week or so, all being well with their progress and the weather,’ Mr George said.
GSPCA manager Steve Byrne said it had been a busy seal season.
‘The new, very poorly pup, Maverick, has already taken some fish from Geoff but we are concerned it might have a lung infection,’ he said.
‘We thought we were at the end of the seal pup season in the Channel Islands and hopefully with the nice weather our services won’t be needed to rescue any others until the next season.’
n Anyone who sees a seal pup can call the GSPCA on 257261 or send pictures via its facebook or admin@gspca.org.gg so the charity can monitor the animals.
