On Tuesday 17 June, a coordinated rescue effort unfolded at Little Ferry on the northeast shore of Loch Fleet, Sutherland. The call was received via the Scottish SPCA about a common seal pup spotted approximately 80 yards from the bird hide. After a thorough search for around 30 minutes without success, the team expanded their search to other areas.
In a fortunate turn of events, just as BDMLR Medics were leaving, the pup was discovered lying in a hollow, appearing lethargic and dehydrated. After a visual assessment, time was taken to observe and monitor the seal while the tide slowly came in, just in case the mother was still around and likely to return to the pup. Local birdwatchers provided a timeline from when the pup was first seen by them, which confirmed that the pup needed to be lifted.
Weighing only 9.7kg and estimated to be about three to four days old, the pup was looked after overnight by BDMLR, and transferred to the Scottish SPCA the following morning for ongoing care at their National Wildlife Centre.
Seal pups are left alone on the shore by their mothers while they forage at sea, returning to feed the pup. However, in some instances, based on the body condition and age of the pup (when known), a decision has to be made to ensure that the pup receives the help it needs before further health deterioration.