The Cornish Seal Sanctuary is celebrating a heartening milestone this week, as S’mores, its first rescued grey seal pup of the season, has been successfully released back into the wild after completing her rehabilitation journey.
S’mores, a young female pup named to fit this year’s theme of ‘Cakes and Desserts’, was originally rescued at just 4–5 weeks old from Crackington Haven near Bude by BDMLR volunteers. When found, she was severely malnourished, carrying multiple puncture wounds, and in urgent need of specialist care. After being stabilised by medics, she was transported to the Cornish Seal Sanctuary’s hospital, where the team began intensive treatment.
Following weeks of expert care, nutrition, and treatment from the Sanctuary’s specialist animal care team, S’mores made a full recovery, reached her target release weight of 30kg and was ready to begin life back in the ocean.
Yesterday, the team released S’mores at a quiet beach in Cornwall, where the young seal confidently made her way into the surf and disappeared beneath the waves; a heart-warming moment that marks the successful end of her rehabilitation journey.
"Watching S’mores head back into the water is exactly why we do what we do," said Anne van Domburg, Senior Animal Care Specialist & Research coordinator at the
Sanctuary. "She came to us vulnerable and exhausted, and seeing her now strong, healthy, and ready to thrive in the wild is incredibly rewarding for the entire team."
S’mores’ release represents the beginning of what is proving to be another busy rescue season for the Sanctuary. Where 12 pups are currently receiving care and new reports continue to come in daily.
Each winter, grey seal pups face numerous challenges including storms, separation from their mothers, and injuries from marine litter. The Sanctuary’s work, grounded in rescue, rehabilitation, research, and public awareness is vital in giving these young seals a second chance.
As a charity, the Cornish Seal Sanctuary relies heavily on visitor support and donations to fund its lifesaving work. On average, it costs around £2,500 to rescue, rehabilitate, and release a single seal pup. “Every visit and donation to our Sanctuary really does make a huge difference,” said Jasmine Chater, Fundraising Co-ordinator. Our supporters mean the world to us; without them, we simply couldn’t give pups like S’mores the second chance they deserve.”
As always, the Sanctuary urges the public to remain vigilant on beaches during pup season.
What to Do if You Spot a Seal Pup
With pup season now underway, the Cornish Seal Sanctuary is reminding the public what to do if they come across a seal pup on the beach:
· Keep your distance – Stay well back and keep dogs on leads.
· Never approach, touch, or chase a pup – even if it looks alone.
· Observe quietly – Noise and disturbance can be very stressful for seals.
· Call for advice – If you’re concerned about a pup’s condition, contact the British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) hotline.
For more information or to report a pup in distress, please contact: Cornish Seal Sanctuary – 01326 221361 British Divers Marine Life Rescue hotline – 01825 765546
