The pup, named Joey, was originally brought back to the Island by a team from British Divers Marine Life Rescue Jersey who were concerned it was malnourished and that it had been separated from its mother. The underweight seal stayed briefly at New Era Vets before being transported to Guernsey, where it is now in the care of Geoff George, head of marine mammals at the GSPCA.
‘Joey was extremely thin when he arrived but remains very feisty, which is a good sign,’ said Mr George.
‘He has lost his white coat, which happens at only a few weeks of age. I’ve been caring for him around the clock and he is doing well, but has a long way to being a healthy pup and ready for the wild.’
GSPCA manager Steve Byrne said Joey was ‘without doubt the most feisty seal pup we have seen for a very long time’ and that he was continuing to make good progress.
‘Joey is doing very well and is now on solid fish. He has completely lost his white coat and is very vocal,’ said Mr Byrne.
‘He is putting on weight every day and looking in fantastic condition for the two weeks he has been in our care.’
The seal’s rescue had also prompted a difference in opinion between BDMLR Jersey co-ordinator Donna De Gruchy and marine biology expert Nick Jouault, the latter arguing that removing the animal from the reef could affect its ability to survive and fend for itself in the future.
But after seeing Joey’s progress at the GSPCA, Ms De Gruchy said she stood by the team’s decision to extract the pup from the reef.
‘He would have grown weaker and weaker and eventually starved to death or drowned,’ she said. ‘There is no question in my mind that we made the right call and I would like to thank all those that sent me private messages reassuring me of my 16 years’ experience and knowledge and that the final decision was the right one.’
