Seventh Seal In GSPCA Care

Tuesday, 23 January 2024 07:34

Doyle the seal pup on the shingle bank near Fort Doyle.

Two beachcombers spotted the pup and though he looked well initially, decided to contact the GSPCA.

Two friends were walking along the shingle beach between the Beaucette Marina and Fort Doyle at the weekend when they spotted a young grey seal, basking in the winter sun.

They initially thought he looked healthy, and he moved quickly down the beach towards the sea. But on reflection they decided it might be best to contact all the GSPCA. Staff came to rescue the pup, and say it's lucky they were called. Geoff George is head of Marine Mammals at the Shelter:

“Myself and GSPCA team member Neil Hughes attended where we were indeed faced with a very poorly pup. He was dehydrated and around a third of the weight he should be, at just 15kgs. He is in the intensive care unit area for seals at the GSPCA."

The pup has been named Doyle, as that's the fort close to where he was found. GSPCA manager Steve Byrne blames the recent bad weather for the pup being found alone:

"Storms always cause issues for our seals, whether they cause separation of pups from their mums, or injuries."

Steve says the Shelter needs fresh, human quality fish, like mackerel and herring, to feed Doyle, who've they've put in intensive care.

He's the seventh seal this season to be taken into care after being found alone and underweight. Three others are from Guernsey and three from Jersey.

The GSPCA was hoping not to look after too many seals this winter as it tries to forge ahead with plans for a rebuild of its wildlife hospital.