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A "feisty" baby seal found washed up on a Jersey slipway after stormy weather last month is in desperate need of "excellent quality mackerel and herring" to help him survive.
Seal pup 'Andrew' was found sleeping on the top of the slipway outside Le Fregate café on 8 November, severely underweight, dehydrated and with no sign of his mum in sight.
He was rescued by volunteers from the Jersey British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR), a charity dedicated to rescuing marine mammals in distress, and whisked away to the vet.
Rescuers originally thought Andrew was three weeks old but his white fluffy coat, which seal usually lose at 14 days, made him around seven to 12 days old.
Video: Andrew shortly after his arrival at the GSPCA.
Weighing only 17kg as opposed to the normal weight of 40kg, he was described as "painfully thin" when he was sent to the GSPCA in Guernsey. He was was one of the youngest grey seal pups the team had to look after in many years.
Although in recovery, the team at the GSPCA say the "very poorly seal pup" is lucky to still be alive. He is still very weak, having suffered from a bad chest condition. He is still not out of the woods and requires round-the-clock care.
Andrew has been receiving a series of treatments and fluids, but the GSPCA have now launched a special appeal to ensure the pup gets all the nutrients he needs to ensure he remains on the road to better health.
Pictured: Despite being severely underweight, Andrew was described as very feisty.
They are looking for for donations of "excellent quality" mackerel and herring to give to their baby patient.
If frozen, the fish must have been caught in the last three months as the team explained that Andrew's health means he needs to be fed high grade food to recover.
If unable to donate fish, islanders are invited to donate money for the rescue of seal pups or to sponsor Andrew for Christmas.
Geoff George, GSPCA Ambulance Driver & Head of Marine Mammal Care, said “It’s been nearly a month since Andrew was rescued in Jersey. Although we first thought he was over 10 days of age, he was certainly much younger and he is lucky to still be alive as he was so poorly when he was found.”
Pictured: Herring and mackerel caught within the last three months are part of a special diet Andrew is on - and the GSPCA are appealing for help to maintain this.
He added: “After a lot of around the clock care we are now appealing for excellent quality mackerel and herring for Andrew although donations towards buying fish is also very much appreciated. Andrew has a long road back to full health and we appreciate any support towards his care here at the GSPCA.”
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