Poorly pup loses her fight for life

Friday 19 March 2021

A seal pup which was found "emaciated" 11 weeks ago has lost her life.

Found with a number of ailments and injuries in December, Ellie had been receiving treatment and around-the-clock care at the GSPCA, but was struggling eating.

GSPCA Manager Steve Byrne said Ellie's carers at the animal shelter were shattered by the news. 

“It is devastating when an animal passes away as we all care so much for each of the animals in our care," he said. “Unlike the other seal pups she has really struggled eating and putting her weight despite around the clock care from the GSPCA team.”

The charity is still looking after Jersey seal pup Joey and local pups Titan and India. Ellie's death, Mr Byrne said, was a sombre reminder of the challenges facing the young, recovering pups.

“Each pup seems to making good progress but each arrive extremely poorly and require a huge amount of care," he said. 

Ellie was found "exhausted" on Plèmont beach in Jersey 11 weeks ago weighing only 16kg. It is believed the pup was separated from its family by a huge swell.

She was first spotted flailing around at sea by surfers, before swimming to shore and being found by a family who contacted the JSPCA. She was later transferred to Guernsey's specialist seal facility.