Four seals found in Jersey have been returned to the sea

Monday, 29 April 2024 07:44

Four seals that were found stranded on Jersey's beaches have been released back into the wild after months of care at the GSPCA.

Didier, Maya, Faulkner and Jem were returned to the sea at Anne Port at the weekend.

Two of the pups were recovered last November and the other two in January.

They have all been looked after at Guernsey's Animal Shelter, where staff have been making sure they put on enough weight to be ready to return to the wild.

The seals were shipped to Jersey by Condor Ferries, so they could be returned to local waters.

The British Divers Marine Life Rescue assisted the GSPCA.

Steve Byrne, GSPCA Manager said:

“Yesterday was the first time since 2019 that we have been able to return Jersey grey seal pups back into the waters from where they were rescued.

“Huge thanks to Donna Gicquel de Gruchy from BDMLR for co-ordinating the release site and the control on the beach for a safe and well co-ordinated release.”

The GSPCA is still caring for six other pups, Valentine, Dolly, Doyle, Grinch, Baby Shark and Ghost. It's hoped two of them will be released in Guernsey waters soon.

It has been the busiest season in the charity's 151 year history for seal rescues, and the first time it had 10 seals in its care at one time.