The RSPCA’s West Hatch Wildlife Center Announces Early Start To Seal Pup Season With 1st Rescue in Wales

Photos from RSPCA Cymru and the RSPCA’s West Hatch Wildlife Center

The rescue of a seal pup in Wales marked an “unusually early” beginning of the new season.

“Seal pup season has started early this year,” noted an August 4th post on the RSPCA’s West Hatch Wildlife Center’s Facebook page. “Today we admitted our first grey seal pup.”

The Center received its first of more than 100 orphaned seals rescued last season on September 9th.

Now named Aye-Aye, the sweet little pup was found abandoned on an Abereiddy beach on July 30^th by Welsh Marine Life Rescue before she was transferred to the Taunton-based Center for care and rehabilitation.

The Center, which reported that Aye-Aye was congested and thin, plans to return her to the wild when she recovers and is able to survive on her own.

Wales is reportedly home to an abundance of wildlife. In the summer, grey seals, dolphins, and seabirds are often found along the coastline.

“It is the summer holiday, so we’re conscious that people may be coming across seals on beaches,” RSPCA Animal Collection Officer Ellie West told numerous media outlets including The Independent. “Should somebody find a seal pup that looks fit and healthy and shows no signs of distress, they should monitor it first from a safe distance for 24 hours.”

As per West, if the seal pup’s mother does not return or is sick or injured, people should then call the RSPCA’s West Hatch Wildlife Center’s 24-hour emergency line on 0300 1234 999.