A seal pup is heading for rehab after being found stranded on a Teesside beach.
The grey pup was found by a member of the public on Saltburn beach yesterday who raised concerns for its welfare.
It was then rescued by a volunteer from the British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) and will be cared for until it is well enough to be released back into the wild.
“The grey seal pup we think is about three weeks old,” said a spokeswoman for the BDMLR, who said it is believed the pup is a male.
“It is not injured at all but is far too thin and underweight for its age at 13.5 kilograms.”
“It was reported by a member of the public and we then got a local volunteer to check on it,” she added.
“They decided it could not be left on the beach and so we had someone go pick it up early evening.
“The seal was then taken to a vets in Scarborough and will eventually go to a rehab centre where it will be looked after until it reaches a good weight.
“He will then be released back into the wild.”
Seal pups stay with their mothers until they are weaned at about three weeks old.
After that they are left alone to take care of themselves. While most are fine, some struggle and once they become dehydrated they end up on beaches and are in danger from dogs and people.
If you wish to report an marine animal that you are concerned about or have a general enquiry about the BDMLR, call 01825 765546.
No comments:
Post a Comment