Cornish Seal Sanctuary rescues first grey seal pup of the season

The Cornish Seal Sanctuary has rescued its first grey seal pup of the season, a female named Babybel. The pup, estimated to be seven days old, was rescued at Port Gaverne on 6 August after its mother failed to return for nursing and the animal became increasingly weak.

Following a 48-hour monitoring period by mammal medics from the British Divers Marine Life Rescue, the pup was taken into care. Animal care specialist Beth Goodridge reported that the pup is making progress, has learned to feed itself, and has recently moved into the sanctuary’s nursery pools. The sanctuary’s goal is to help the pup build strength and learn essential survival skills before releasing it back into the wild once it reaches a healthy weight.

Sanctuary officials advised the public that not all lone seal pups require rescue, as mothers may be feeding at sea and watching from a distance. They requested that people maintain a distance of at least 100 meters, keep dogs on leads, and never place a pup back into the sea.