Two months ago, BDMLR tasked medics to Danes Dyke following reports of a young Grey seal dragging over 7ft of entanglement material consisting of 4 different types of rope, monofilament, debris and a pot band. The seal was a ‘known’ animal, having been previously reported by the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust amongst the colony where access to rescue him was impossible.
Quick action from members of the public meant the right place and time allowed the seal to be captured while on his own. Medics were able to skilfully remove the netting and uplifted him for care in the Yorkshire unit to begin antibiotics and pain relief.
Callum Oak was named in memory of local teen, Callum Cooper who will have an Oak tree planted at Danes Dyke in memoriam.
Once stable, Callum Oak was relayed to rehabilitation centre RSPCA Stapeley Grange, where during his stay he gained a further 8kg of weight, and his wounds healed. Once tagged with an ID number for any future sightings, he was ready for release again. BDMLR was given the heart-warming and careful task of bringing him back to the region for release. Entangled seals always have a soft spot with everyone who works with them, and this was no exception!
On a beautifully sunny, clear day in the presence of Callum’s family and school friends and teachers, Callum Oak the seal was released back in to the wild and promptly met another seal swimming just off shore.
BDMLR extends it’s immense gratitude to the members of the public who reported the seal initially, Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, Aldgate Vets, Bridlington Headlands School and RSPCA Stapeley Grange for all their hard work involving this lucky seal.
