Grey seal pupping season has arrived in Orkney, seemingly earlier than we’ve experienced in previous years.
Two young seal pups were rescued from separate islands on 23 September. The first report from a concerned member of the public came from Sanday, where an injured and underweight pup had been spotted alone. When our Marine Mammal Medics arrived, the pup weighed only 10.9kg and clearly suffering from exhaustion.
The little female was uplifted and taken to Flett & Carmichael Vets for assessment before being transferred to our Orkney seal unit. Later that same day, a second pup was reported on Rousay. Initial reports showed that the pup was also in poor condition and experiencing respiratory distress, but the call came after the final ferry had departed.
Orkney Nautical Charters generously provided space on one of their boats free of charge, allowing our Medics to reach the island and rescue the pup.
The little male grey seal was admitted to our seal unit, where our team could treat and stabilise him. Both pups are now being closely monitored and receiving round-the-clock feeding and care to help them regain the essential energy and weight they need. Safely in our unit, they now wait on long term rehabilitation spaces which are a vital step in their recovery. There, they learn to feed themselves in water and gain strength swimming before being released back into the wild.
We cannot help pups like these without the funds needed to feed them and provide essential medication. Any spare change towards their care makes an enormous difference and directly supports the individual animals. Support can be given here or consider joining our BDMLR Ocean Allies.