A SEAL pup rescued in Jersey last year has been released back into the ocean after completing its rehabilitation in Guernsey.
A team from the local branch of British Divers Marine Life Rescue was called to West Park in November after Eliza – who was just two weeks old at the time – was found searching for her mother.
She was taken to the New Era Veterinary Hospital before being transported to Guernsey’s animal shelter, where she has since been receiving care from Geoff George, the GSPCA’s head of marine mammals.
Eliza, along with a Guernsey seal pup called Maverick, were released back into the wild on the island’s south-west coast yesterday morning.
Credit: GSPCA
Mr George said: ‘There is a lot of work that goes into saving a seal pup’s life and it is always fantastic when we can get them back to the wild. In the last ten years we have helped 21 grey seal pups back to the wild and today now makes 23.’
He added: ‘Maverick was much more confident swimming out – Eliza, the Jersey seal pup, wasn’t so sure and spent much more time in the shallow water.’
Steve Byrne, the GSPCA’s manager, said: ‘It is always a magical sight when we see seals swim back to where they belong. Watching Eliza and Maverick enter the water really warmed the heart although both weren’t certain.’
BDMLR Jersey co-ordinator Donna de Gruchy said: ‘We are always grateful for the care provided by Geoff and the team at the GSPCA – this is absolutely fantastic news and we shall keep an eye out for Eliza if she comes back this way.’
