On Sunday 7 June, BDMLR Medics responded to an urgent callout involving a common seal pup at Cairnryan, near Stranraer.
The pup had been reported by a swimmer who had been told it had been there for around 24 hours. With a clear photograph and the exact location (using the What3Words App) provided by the caller, the BDMLR rescue coordinator was able to assess the situation quickly and arrange a swift response from our Marine Mammal Medic network.
Fortunately, the nearest available BDMLR volunteer Medic was also a locum veterinarian with a nearby practice. The young pup was soon picked up safely and taken for an initial examination at the clinic, supported by two other trained Medics.
The pup was found to be uninjured, but was thought to be premature, weighing just 6.9kg and estimated at around one week old.
Following examination and consultation with the SSPCA Wildlife Centre in Fife, Medics from Girvan, who had travelled to assist, took the pup on the journey to Alloa, approximately three hours away. After a couple of welfare stops during the trip, they arrived at the wildlife centre at around midnight.
BDMLR praised the rapid reporting and teamwork that helped ensure the pup received urgent care and the best next steps.
An update from the SSPCA Wildlife Centre today has confirmed that the pup is continuing to do well in care. While being treated for a minor infection around the umbilicus, he is gaining weight and has started to show encouraging signs of bottle-feeding independently. These positive developments are helping to improve the pup’s outlook in the early days of his rehabilitation journey.
At just 6.9kg, this pup’s future depended on a chain of people willing to help. Thanks to rapid reporting, dedicated volunteers and specialist rehabilitation, he now has a second chance. Donations help keep that chain intact, ensuring that when the next call comes, help is already on the way. Click here to support our work.