Select a region
A second seal pup from Jersey has been transported to Guernsey for emergency treatment after being found washed up in a “very poor” condition.
Jem – as she was later named – was not only dehydrated but significantly underweight at 11kg.
This falls significantly below the expected weight range of 25-30kg for a 5-6 week-old pup her age.
In contrast to Faulker, who was discovered in good health on the rocks at L'Etacq earlier this week, Jem's condition was described as “precarious”.
Geoff George, the GSPCA Head of Marine Mammals, described Jem as "very, very poorly and weak".
“She's about two weeks older than Faulkner, who arrived yesterday and is much bigger despite the age difference.”
Following a stay at New Era Veterinary Hospital, Jem was transported to Guernsey for further medical attention on Thursday and is currently in intensive care.
Geoff said: "The team at the GSPCA has been every two hours providing treatment and fluids and the vets have literally thrown every possible treatment they can to her care and we are all keeping everything crossed for her."
A veterinary nurse from New Era said that Storm Ciarán, which hit the island earlier this month, has "definitely played a part" in the number of seal pups that have washed up on Jersey's shores.
A local marine wildlife charity previously explained that the storm created hazardous conditions that can separate seal pups from their mothers, which has caused the pups to wash up on the island's beaches.
Pictured: Jem the poorly seal pup who washed up at the harbour after losing her mum is now receiving specialist care across the water.
The GSPCA was due for refurbishment and closure for long-term seal care this season, with plans for seal pups to be sent to the UK for rehabilitation.
However, due to a delay in the revamp until spring and the fact that all UK seal rehabilitation centres were already at full capacity, Guernsey staff offered to care for Faulkner and Gem.
Mr Byrne explained that the GSPCA is facing challenges, including a lack of freezers to store and storm-related damages from Storm Ciaran – highlighting the need for financial and logistical support.
Islanders who come across a struggling seal pup or distressed marine mammal are advised too “stay back, never attempt to put them back in the water, keep dogs on leads and well away”.
They should also contact the JSPCA on 724331 – or via their out-of-hours number on 07797 720331 – to alert the British Divers Marine Life Rescue team.
To contribute to Jem and Faulkner's care and support GSPCA's initiatives, donations can be made through their website HERE.
"Growly" Faulkner the seal pup heads to Guernsey for rehab
"Determined" seal pup flown to UK after east-coast adventure
WATCH: Rescued Jersey seal pup comforted by fake 'mama' made from waterproof trousers
Storm causes wildlife "carnage"
Comments
Comments on this story express the views of the commentator only, not Bailiwick Publishing. We are unable to guarantee the accuracy of any of those comments.