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Having had a record number of eight seal pups in its care recently, the staff and volunteers of the GSPCA may be breathing a sight sigh of relief today following the release of two back in to the wild.
Aurora had been in the care of the animal shelter since being rescued off Jersey in November 2021, while Luna-C was rescued locally the following month.
Over the intervening 14 months they've been joined in the GSPCA's marine mammal pen by others rescued from Guernsey, Herm and Jersey with the charity saying this has been the busiest period it's ever experienced for seal pups needing sanctuary.
Aurora and Luna-C had both gained enough weight and were deemed healthy enough to be released this week - and so the decision was made to set them free on Valentine's Day, the 150th anniversary of the founding of the charity.
They seemed reluctant to leave at times.
Having formed bonds with the GSPCA's Head of Marine Mammals Geoff George, the two seal pups were seen nuzzling his legs before swimming away at Portelet.
The pair of seal pups did leave the care of the GSPCA eventually, swimming away yesterday afternoon.
Steve Byrne GSPCA Manager said the successful seal pup release added to the already special occasion the charity was celebrating.
“...on our 150th anniversary we had a very special release when we got Aurora and Luna C the grey seal pups back to the wild,” he said.
“Aurora was rescued in Jersey in October 2021 which was last season and also Luna C in Guernsey in December 2021 and both were less than half their body weight and extremely poorly when they arrived. They have had a long road to get better and it was so nice to see them back where they belong.
"As it was special moment and day, nine of the team went down to help with the release but it wasn't easy going as Geoff will tell you."
Mr Byrne said it seemed the pups had bonded with each other as well as Mr George.
"As well as our 150th anniversary it is Valentines Day and once both pups were in they did what looked like give each other a kiss.
“The other 6 pups Henny, Shakespeare, Emilia, Echo, Hector and Cleopatra rescued this season continue to do well and improve daily.”
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