Joey the seal "doing well" after first week

Friday 20 November 2020

The emaciated seal pup being treated by the GSPCA has shed his white coat, and his recovery is apparently going well after a week of care.

Joey was found at a very thin 18kg on Les Erehous in Jersey by the British Divers Marine Life Rescue, and was cared for at New Era Vets before being transported to Guernsey.

The GSPCA's Head of Marine Mammals Geoff George said that good progress has been made, although the pup's full recovery remains a long way off. 

"Joey was extremely thin when he arrived, but remains very feisty which is a good sign," he said. "He has lost his white coat which happens at only a few weeks of age.

"I've been caring for him around the clock and he is doing well, but he is a long way from being a healthy pup and ready for the wild."

Pictured: Joey the seal pup was found by Marine Life Rescue in a sickly state before he was transported to the GSPCA to receive care.

GSPCA Manager Steve Byrne said that he was pleased to see Joey doing so well, but also recognised that he had a long way to go.

"He will need a lot of treatment and fish," he said. "Anyone wanting to donate to Joey's care can do so in person at the GSPCA building on Rue Des Truchots, St Andrews, by calling 257261, or online.

"We really couldn't do so much without your support, and every penny really helps make a difference."

Mr Byrne also gave some helpful tips to islanders who might encounter other seal pups: "We are in the middle of seal pup season now in the Channel Islands. If you see a seal pup, please do not approach it but do take a picture and send it in, and give us a call so we know where they are and assess they are okay.

"By approaching a seal pup you could scare its mother away and put the pup at risk, so please keep a very safe distance and do not allow your dogs anywhere near them."

More advice on what to do if you encounter injured wildlife can be found here.

Click HERE to read more about Joey, the sickly seal pup.