Sanctuary releases last pups of the season

Wednesday, 13 April 2022

A group of seal pups rescued from the Cornish coastline have been released back into the wild, after their time in rehabilitation at the Cornish Seal Sanctuary. 

These pups are the last big group to be released after another busy pup season in Cornwall, which saw more than 50 pups rescued since autumn 2021.  

Saved from various spots around the Cornish coastline, each has spent the last few months in rehab, being nursed to full health before making their journey back into the wild. 

Tamara Cooper, Curator at the Cornish Seal Sanctuary, says: “It’s been another incredibly busy winter for our rescue partners BDMLR and our animal care team here at the sanctuary. With more than 50 pups rehabbed throughout the season, they have certainly kept us all busy! 

“This at the heart of what we do - to provide expert care for sick, injured, or distressed seals and other marine animals in need of help who are found around our shores. 

“With changes to climate, such as more frequent storms, dangers of plastic pollution and human disturbance, there are a number of reasons why seals might be rescued and brought to the Cornish Seal Sanctuary throughout the year. 

“Our job is to do everything we can to get those seals back into the wild and support this species for generations to come.” 

On average, it costs around £2,000 to rescue and rehabilitate a seal for release, which is funded entirely by donations and visits to the charity’s site in Gweek, Helston.  

Each pup is monitored and treated in our Seal Hospital, before being moved into the rehabilitation pools for ongoing support before heading back into the wild. 

Want to know more about the Sanctuary and our mission? Click here.