Seal pup rescued from Port Gaverne beach released back into the wild after three months in care
Babybel is the first pup of the season to be released by the Cornish Seal Sanctuary
A seal pup rescued from a busy beach in Port Gaverne has been released back into the wild after three months in care.
The Cornish Seal Sanctuary said the pup, named Babybel, is the first rehabilitated seal pup of the season to return to the sea.
Babybel arrived at the sanctuary in August after becoming separated from her mother on the busy beach.
The sanctuary said she was small and vulnerable when she first came into care and needed intensive support from its animal care team.
Over the following three months, she grew in strength and confidence until she was ready to return to the ocean.
The sanctuary said her release took place on an autumn day under clear blue skies.
Clare Addyman, an 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."
She added: "It's always a special moment when a seal pup is released back into the wild, but there was something particularly memorable about our first pup of the season's journey. Seeing her return to the ocean healthy and strong after all she had overcome is exactly why we do what we do."
The sanctuary said the release marks the start of another busy seal pup season.
It rescues, rehabilitates and releases grey seal pups from around the Cornish coast each year.
The sanctuary said support from visitors, members and donors makes every rescue and release possible.
Advice on seal pups
As pupping season gets under way around Cornwall's coastline, the sanctuary is reminding people to give any seal pups they come across plenty of space.
It said grey seals will often rest on beaches while their mothers are out at sea feeding.
A pup may appear alone, but this does not necessarily mean it has been abandoned, according to the sanctuary.
It said human disturbance can cause stress to both mother and pup and, in some cases, may stop the mother from returning to nurse her young.
The sanctuary said it has recently seen people approaching seal pups resting on beaches too closely, often with the best intentions.
It said getting too close, trying to touch a seal, letting dogs approach or surrounding a pup for photographs can seriously put the animal's welfare at risk.
The sanctuary said watching from a distance and respecting natural behaviour gives pups the best chance of survival.
What to do if you see a seal pup
The sanctuary's advice is:
- 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.
Anyone concerned about a seal's welfare can contact the Cornish Seal Sanctuary Rescue Line on 01637 221361 or the British Divers Marine Life Rescue hotline on 01825 765546.