First Seal Pup of the Season Returns to the Wild

First Seal Pup of the Season Returns to the Wild 

We are delighted to announce the successful release of Babybel, the first rehabilitated seal pup of the season to return to the wild. 

Babybel arrived at the sanctuary in August after being rescued from Port Gaverne, where she had become separated from her mother on a busy beach. When she first came into care, she was small, vulnerable, and in need of intensive support from the sanctuary's expert animal care team. 

Over the following three months, Babybel grew in strength and confidence, reaching the stage where she was ready to return to her natural ocean home.

Babybel quickly became a favourite among her carers. Clare Addyman, Animal Care Specialist at the Sanctuary, said: "From the moment she arrived, Babybel was a joy to care for. She was always calm, curious and happy to take part in health checks and weigh-ins, making her rehabilitation a smooth one from start to finish. She captured the hearts of the whole team, so seeing her healthy, strong and ready to return to the ocean was a very special moment for us all." 

Babybel's release took place on a beautiful autumn day under clear blue skies.  

"It's always a special moment when a seal pup is released back into the wild, but there was something particularly memorable about our first pup of the season’s journey," Clare continued, "Seeing her return to the ocean healthy and strong after all she had overcome is exactly why we do what we do." 

The release marks the beginning of another busy seal pup season for the sanctuary, which rescues, rehabilitates and releases grey seal pups from around the Cornish coast each year.

Thank you for your support that makes every rescue and release possible, helping vulnerable marine animals get a second chance in the wild. 

Helping Seal Pups Stay Wild 

As seal pupping season gears up around Cornwall's coastline, the Cornish Seal Sanctuary is reminding the public to give any seal pups they encounter plenty of space. 

Grey seals will often rest on beaches while their mothers are out at sea feeding. Although a pup may appear alone, this does not necessarily mean it has been abandoned. Human disturbance can cause stress to both mum and pup and, in some cases, may prevent the mother from returning to nurse her young. 

Recently, the sanctuary has witnessed instances of people approaching too closely to seal pups resting on beaches, often with the best intentions. However, getting too close, attempting to touch a seal, allowing dogs to approach, or surrounding a pup for photographs can seriously put the animal's welfare at risk. 

By watching from a distance and respecting their natural behaviour, we can all help give seal pups the best possible chance of survival. 

If you spot a seal pup on the beach: 

• Stay at least 100 metres away where possible. 
• Keep dogs on a lead and well away from the animal. 
• Remain quiet and avoid causing disturbance.
• Never attempt to touch, feed or move a seal pup. 
• If you are concerned about a seal's welfare, contact the Cornish Seal Sanctuary Rescue Line on 01637 221361 or the British Divers Marine Life Rescue hotline on 01825 765546