A SECOND seal pup has been sent to Guernsey for emergency treatment after being found washed up in Jersey in a “very poor” condition.
Jem – as she was later named – was not only dehydrated but significantly underweight at 11kg.
This falls significantly below the expected weight range of 25-30kg for a five- to six-week-old pup her age.
In contrast to the “growly” Faulker, another seal who was discovered in good health on the rocks at L’Etacq earlier this week, Jem’s condition is “precarious”.
Geoff George, the GSPCA head of marine mammals, described Jem as “very, very poorly and weak”.
He added: “She’s about two weeks older than Faulkner who arrived yesterday and is much bigger despite the age difference.”
Following a stay at New Era Veterinary Hospital, Jem was transported to Guernsey for further medical attention on Thursday and is currently in intensive care.
Mr George said: “The team at the GSPCA has been every two hours providing treatment and fluids and the vets have literally thrown every possible treatment they can to her care and we are all keeping everything crossed for her.”
A veterinary nurse from New Era said that Storm Ciarán, which hit the Island earlier this month, had “definitely played a part” in the number of seal pups that have washed up on Jersey’s shores.
– To contribute to Jem and Faulkner’s care and support GSPCA’s initiatives, donations can be made through their website at: gspca.org.gg.
