GSPCA Celebrates 3rd Seal Pup Release Of 2023

Monday, 19 June 2023 12:15

Two more grey seal pups have been released back into the wild by the GSPCA.

Henny and Echo were rescued by the GSPCA in Guernsey around the start of 2023.

In the care of the animal shelter, the pups have nearly tripled their body weight to around 40kg, making them "fit to go".

They were released back into the wild from Portelet Bay yesterday (18 June).

GSPCA Manager Steve Byrne says they have been extremely busy in their 150th year rescuing, treating, and releasing seal pups:

“It was lovely to see them (Henny and Echo) swim free where they belong.

Earlier we released Shakespeare who was rescued in Jersey in October 2022 and Emilia in Guernsey in December 2022. They were both less than half their body weight and extremely poorly when they arrived."

He says they have a few more pups in their care:

"The last three grey seal pups are Peej, Hector and Cleopatra.

The most recent seal pup to arrive at the GSPCA is Peej who is a long way from being ready.

In the last decade, we have rescued and released 29 grey seal pups back into the wild, and the three in our care are keeping us very busy."

GSPCA team releasing Henny and Echo back into the wild.

The pups are fed around 20 to 30 herring or mackerel each day as they recover. Mr Byrne says this wouldn't be possible without donations.

The animal shelter's advice on dealing with abandoned seal pups remains the same - don't approach them, keep dogs away and contact the shelter directly.