Seal pups released back into the wild after months of rehabilitation
The rescued pups were nursed back to full health in Somerset
Last updated 14th Jan 2025
A wildlife rehabilitation centre in Somerset has released their first seal pups of the season back into the wild.
Staff at the RSPCA centre in West Hatch rescued and rehabilitated seals from across the South West and Wales, before waving them goodbye at Combe Martin beach in North Devon.
The seals, who had been rescued in the final months of 2024, were given around-the-clock care and rehabilitation.
Seal pups in need of rescue are taken to the team at West Hatch, who help the seals build up the strength they need to be fit enough to be released again.
The seals are initially brought to the centre’s intensive care pens before they are moved into a pool when they gain weight and begin self-feeding.
This season’s seals have been named after different ice creams - including Mini Milk, Calippo, Nobbly Bobbly and Cornetto.
Their progress has been captured for the ‘Seal Diaries’ by RSPCA photographer Emma Jacobs.
She said: “It’s been amazing to follow the seals as they gained strength ready for release.
“So many species of native wildlife are sadly threatened, and many have seen reductions in numbers, so it’s important for all of us to do everything we can to support wildlife to make sure every kind thrives in its natural environment.”
The animal welfare charity advises that if members of the public spot a seal on a beach that they observe them from a distance and do not approach them.