From Rescue to Release: Hot Cross Bun's Journey Back to the Wild

After months of specialist care and rehabilitation, we're delighted to share that Hot Cross Bun has been released back into the wild.

This young grey seal pup was rescued by British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) on the 10th April from Nanjizel, Cornwall, after being discovered with netting tightly wrapped around his neck. The entanglement had become deeply embedded in his skin, causing severe wounds that required extensive treatment and rehabilitation.

When Hot Cross Bun arrived at the Cornish Seal Sanctuary, our team immediately began caring for his injuries. While the wounds have healed remarkably well, they have left him with a noticeable scar, a lasting reminder of the ordeal he endured. Fortunately, we are confident that this will not impact his future, and he has been given every opportunity to thrive back in the wild where he belongs.

Watching a rehabilitated seal return to the ocean is always a special moment. For Hot Cross Bun, it marks the end of a difficult chapter and the beginning of a new one. His resilience throughout his recovery has been incredible, and we look forward to following his journey from afar.

One of the Lucky Ones

While we may never know exactly how Hot Cross Bun became entangled, his story highlights the devastating impact that fishing gear can have on marine and coastal wildlife.

The netting embedded around his neck caused severe injuries that required months of specialist care. Fortunately, he was found in time. Many animals are not.

Across UK waters, seals, seabirds, dolphins, porpoises and other marine species continue to face threats associated with fishing activity. One of the most significant of these is bycatch, the accidental capture of non-target animals in fishing operations.

A recent report published by the Wildlife and Countryside Link has brought renewed attention to the scale of this issue, highlighting the urgent need for greater action to protect marine and coastal wildlife.

What is Bycatch?

Bycatch occurs when animals are accidentally caught during fishing operations targeting other species. Marine mammals, seabirds, sharks and other wildlife can become trapped in fishing nets, hooked on fishing lines or caught in other fishing gear.

For many animals, these encounters result in injury, stress or death. Bycatch is recognised as one of the largest threats facing some of the UK's most vulnerable marine species and can have significant impacts on wildlife populations.

Tackling the Problem

The Wildlife and Countryside Link is calling for stronger measures to reduce bycatch and improve protections for marine wildlife. Its recommendations include increased monitoring of fishing activity, the wider use of electronic monitoring systems such as onboard cameras, improved reporting of bycatch incidents, and greater adoption of fishing gear and techniques designed to reduce accidental captures.

The organisation also advocates for stronger protections in key marine habitats and increased investment in practical solutions that support both sustainable fisheries and healthy marine ecosystems.

Looking to the Future

As Hot Cross Bun returns to the wild, his story serves as both a celebration and a reminder.

A celebration because he survived an injury that could easily have been fatal, thanks to the efforts of British Divers Marine Life Rescue and the dedicated team at the Cornish Seal Sanctuary.

And a reminder that thousands of marine animals continue to face threats from human activity at sea every year. By working to reduce bycatch and other fishing-related impacts, we can help create safer seas for seals like Hot Cross Bun and for the countless other species that call our coastlines and oceans home!