"Emaciated" young pup rescued from Port Gras

Tuesday 19 January 2021

A poorly grey seal pup is receiving around-the-clock care at the GPSCA after she was washed up injured at Port Gras.

GSPCA Warden Sarah Langlois was on-call at the time and contacted Head of Marine Mammals, Geoff George, to rescue the young seal pup, which was "emaciated" and had an injured nose.

The pup - who has been named Blaze - was picked up and transported to the GSPCA's seal facility, where she has been receiving emergency care. 

“Blaze is only 20kgs so half the weight she should be and has a injury to her nose," said Mr George.  “It’s early days yet but we are caring for her around-the-clock and doing all we can for her.”

Pictured: Blaze has joined Titan, Ellie and Joey at the shelter, all of whom are reportedly "doing well". 

The GSPCA currently has two Guernsey and two Jersey pups in its care, with numbers expected to increase before they go down. 

“We have seal pups needing help well into February," said Mr George. "With the awful weather we have had, there could be others in the coming weeks that need our help. If you see anything please do give us a call at the GSPCA on 01481 257261.”

With a "record-breaking" number of animals in the GSPCA's care, Manager Steve Byrne said the animal charity is grateful for any funds they receive towards the animals' care. 

"With four seals now at the GSPCA, over 100 hedgehogs and hundreds of other animals, we are extremely busy with wildlife," he said. 

Pictured: Blaze was rescued at Port Gras by Geoff George and Sarah Langlois. 

“Blaze joins Joey, Titan and Ellie in our intensive care pens at the GSPCA for seal pups. That means we now have 4 seal pups at the Shelter and all being so young have a long road before we can even think of releasing them back to the wild.”

A healthy pup looks like a big, stuffed maggot without a neck. However, a thin pup looks sleek (but not bony) and has a visible neck, like a healthy dog.

If you see a seal pup that appears sick, thin or injured, contact the GSPCA's 24-hour cruelty and advice line on 01481 257261.