Select a region
An underweight baby seal who washed up in Jersey has passed away despite the best efforts of rescuers and local vets.
At around four weeks old, the male grey seal pup found at Bonne Nuit on Saturday should have been at least 30kg.
However, BDMLR Rescuers said he weighed in at just 17kg upon closer inspection.
The pup was also "extremely hypothermic, very weak and very flat", they said.
He was lifted and taken straight to New Era Veterinary Hospital for what BDMLR described as a "hopeful but very slim chance of survival", but reported that he sadly passed away "not long after he arrived".
BDMLR said that it was "not unusual to find weaned pups struggling after the initial pupping season at this time of year".
Poorly seals washed up in Jersey are often transported to Guernsey's GSPCA for rehabilitation.
However, amid rising demand with more than six pups having washed up during the season, BDMLR have been considering whether a local facility is needed.
They said in January that there were no "concrete plans" as yet, but that their "thinking caps" were on.
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 BDMLR team.
Jersey seal rescuers ponder local rehab facility as another pup found
"Feisty" seal pup rescued from Corbiere sent to Guernsey for rehab
WATCH: Rescued Jersey seal pup comforted by fake 'mama' made from waterproof trousers
"Growly" Faulkner the seal pup heads to Guernsey for rehab
Jem the "poorly" seal pup sent to Guernsey for emergency treatment
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.