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A very skinny and feisty seal pup has been rescued by the GSPCA, just before the charity starts work to demolish its seal rehabilitation facility.
Named 'Roar' because of his "angry nature", the pup was found near Castle Cornet on Saturday.
Fishermen heard him crying out - possibly looking for his mother - and called the GSPCA to come out and help him.
“This is the first pup we’ve been called to help this season and we have named him Roar due to his angry nature,” explained Geoff George, Head of Marine Mammals at the GSPCA.
“He is only 15kgs, very dehydrated, thin, has a possible chest infection and is full of worms at just four weeks of age. He really should be three times the weight he is currently.
“He was found by fisherman who could first hear him calling out, likely for his mother who was nowhere to be seen as they leave them before they get to a month old but should have a much healthy weight if they are to survive.”
Pictured: Roar the seal pup is being cared for at the GSPCA by the charity's Head of Marine Mammals, Geoff George.
Steve Byrne, GSPCA Manager credited Mr George with helping Roar survive his first night at the charity's rehabilitation centre.
“Roar has made it through the night under the care of Geoff at the GSPCA who heads our marine mammal rescue work.
“At a month old Roar should be more like 40+ kg not the very thin 15kgs he is currently. He is very poorly and we are caring for him around the clock to stabilise him."
Despite the GSPCA's record of helping rehabilitate poorly seal pups - with a record ten being under its care earlier this year - Roar's rehabilitation might have to continue in the UK as the local seal pup facility is due to be knocked down as part of wider work to enhance the animal shelter.
“As we are due to knock down our current seal facilities to build new we are going to engage with the RSPCA and other rescues in the UK to see if they can help," said Mr Byrne.
Pictured: Roar needs to eat to build up his body weight and his strength before he can be released back in to the wild.
Mr Byrne added that the new Wildlife Hospital will have new facilities to help future seal pups that need additional care. It is an area of the charity's work which has grown in recent years.
“Seal pup season is once again with us and we have lots of details online on what to do if you do see a seal in trouble, but the easiest is just call 257261," he said.
“In the past 12 years we have now released 41 back into local waters.
“We are very busy at this time of year with wildlife and are now very close to selecting a building firm for the new Wildlife Hospital so this season of seals we are looking for help in the UK for their rehab while the build takes place but we will of course stabilise them here.”
The development of the GSPCA's new Wildlife Hospital has been dubbed the 'biggest build' as it is the largest redevelopment the charity has embarked on during its 151-year history.
“This will be the BIGGEST Build in our history and we really need your support and to find out more," said Mr Byrne. "Please visit gspca.org.gg/blog/gspca-biggest-build-appeal.
"There are many ways to help us help the seal pups and their future," said Mr Byrne who added that there are ideas on the GSPCA's website.
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What to do if you see a seal pup
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