WATCH: "Inseparable" seals return to the sea

Friday 09 August 2019

Two seal pups, who had been in the GSPCA's care since February, have finally returned to the wild.

Both Mambo and Hannah were rescued very late in the seal season, taking the shelter's total up to six pups this year - the highest it has ever reached.

With help from Island Rib Voyages and a team from the GSPCA, the pair travelled across to Jethou yesterday, where they were released back into the waters.

"It went really well," said the shelter's Head of Marine Mammals, Geoff George. "They both stayed together which I like because they have been inseparable since we had these two in.

"When they're young like this they tend to stay on the fringes of any seal colonies so the bigger seals don't bully them, but they will eventually join up with other seals."

Both pups were very underweight when they arrived at the shelter and have gone through a lengthy care routine to get to where they are now.

Pictured: The team from the GSPCA and Island Rib Voyages with the two seal pups.

"We had to tube feed every three hours throughout the night," Mr George explained. "Because we've had six seals this year it has been pretty ongoing for about five months, which is fairly tiring. Then we get them on fish soup and then solid fish. They then gain weight and can go in the pools."

After their release, both seals stuck around the shoreline for a while before heading off together to explore.

"It has been magical to see them released on this stunning little island which is really safe, with plenty of fish in the water," said GSPCA Manager Steve Byrne. "It's a wonderful feeling.

Pictured: The seal pups stayed in the shallow waters for a while before venturing off together.

"They've been with us for nearly seven months now. We've never had grey seal pups rescued in February in Guernsey before. It's been a long road and Geoff has worked so hard to improve their weight and health that's required to get to this point.

Mambo and Hannah have left one remaining seal at the GSPCA who is yet to be released. Andrew was rescued in Jersey and flown over to Guernsey for care last year.

"We've had him in since 7 November and that's the longest that we've had a pup," said Mr George. "He's just started eating on his own. He may have a few behavioural issues."

 Pictured: Mambo and Hannah could even be spotted "reassuring" one another.

It is hoped Andrew will soon be well enough to join his friends in the wild.

"This year has truly shown how much we do need a wildlife hospital in Guernsey," added Mr Byrne. "Having six seal pups has really stretched our facilities!

"it's been a really busy year and it's what we're here for. We're here to help the animals of Guernsey.

"This is something that Guernsey can be proud of - that we are able to do this on our island and help our local environment."