Cornish Seal Sanctuary issues advice after first pup of the season returns to the wild

The pup was rescued after becoming separated from her mother

Cornwall Seal Sanctuary, in Gweek, have announced the successful release of Babybel, the first rehabilitated seal pup of the season to return to the wild.

Baybel arrived at the Cornish Seal Sanctuary in August “small, vulnerable, and in need of intensive support”, after being separated from her mother on a busy beach. 

The sanctuary says she grew in strength and confidence over the following months before reaching the stage where she was ready to return to her natural home, becoming a favourite amongst carers.

Clare Addyman, Animal Care Specialist at the Sanctuary, said:

"From the moment she arrived, Babybel was a joy to care for. She was always calm, curious and happy to take part in health checks and weigh-ins, making her rehabilitation a smooth one from start to finish. She captured the hearts of the whole team, so seeing her healthy, strong and ready to return to the ocean was a very special moment for us all."

Her release marks the beginning of another busy seal pup season for the sanctuary, which rescues, rehabilitates and releases grey seal pups from around the Cornish coast each year.

The sanctuary are now reminding us we can do our part this season by giving any seal pups they encounter plenty of space. 

They say it’s important to know that grey seals will often rest on beaches while their mothers are out at sea feeding, so whilst a pup may appear alone this does not necessarily mean it has been abandoned. 

They also warn human disturbance can cause stress to both mum and pup and, in some cases, may prevent the mother from returning to nurse her young.

The sanctuary say recently they’ve witnessed instances of people approaching too closely to seal pups resting on beaches. Whilst they recognise people can do that with the best intentions, getting too close, attempting to touch a seal, allowing dogs to approach, or surrounding a pup for photographs can seriously put the animal's welfare at risk.

If we spot a pup on the beach, they say we should 

If you spot a seal pup on the beach:

• Stay at least 100 metres away where possible.
• Keep dogs on a lead and well away from the animal.
• Remain quiet and avoid causing disturbance.
• Never attempt to touch, feed or move a seal pup.
• If you are concerned about a seal's welfare, contact the Cornish Seal Sanctuary Rescue Line on 01637 221361 or the British Divers Marine Life Rescue hotline on 01825 765546