Chest infection claims seal pup

Monday 16 December 2019

The seal pup rescued from rocks on the west coast of Guernsey earlier this month has passed away, despite receiving emergency care from the GSPCA.

Crash was picked up Grandes Rocques, on 6 December, when he was described as being in a "poorly condition".

At the time he was thought to be just three days old, but had been separated from his mother and was only a quarter of the weight he should have been.

GSPCA Head of Mammals Geoff George had rescued Crash originally, and helped care for him which involved giving him fluids every two hours while he tried to recuperate in the seal tank at the animal shelter in St Andrews.

However, on Sunday night his condition took a turn for the worse.

The charity said that having been found weighing just a quarter of the weight he should have been, he had been very emaciated and had been suffering from an extremely bad chest infection that he couldn't beat.

Crash had been receiving treatment and around the clock care.

Crash had shown signs of improvement as he had put on an additional 5kgs in weight in less than a week, but his chest infection didn't improve despite being on medication.

Steve Byrne GSPCA Manager said: “We are saddened to have to let everyone know that Crash the grey seal pup passed away last night.

“Being found so thin and unwell last week the team and especially Head Of Marine Mammals Geoff had been working around the clock to care for Crash but he had an extremely bad chest infection.

“It is devasting when an animal passes away as we all care so much for each of the animals in our care.

“We still have Andy the seal pup and some good news is that he has been making some break throughs recently with his eating and behaviour.”

Pictured: Andy the seal pup is said to be making good progress in his recovery. 

Mr Byrne said as we head deeper into the winter months, the coast around our islands can be very busy with seal pups and some may need help to survive through the harsh weather.

“This time of year is when many seals are pupping around our coast and it is important not to get to close and especially your dogs as they can often scare the mothers back into the water and this can result in the pups being abandoned.

“You can see our full seal pup advice by visiting gspca.org.gg/animal/seal-advice.

“To donate to Andy the seal pup please visit - giving.gg/donate  or justgiving.com."

Pictured top: Crash the seal pup.