Tiny Seal Pups Admitted to Cornish Seal Sanctuary as Rescue Season Starts Alarmingly Early

The Cornish Seal Sanctuary is caring for two critically ill grey seal pups; both rescued well before the expected start of pupping season, raising concern among marine conservationists about changing conditions along the Cornish coast.

One of the pups was flown in by helicopter from the Isles of Scilly, following an emergency response by British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) and local authorities. Severely underweight at just over 12kg, with multiple injuries and signs of exhaustion, the pup is now being monitored closely in the Sanctuary’s seal hospital.

The second arrival, a pup affectionately named Termite, was rescued from Porthtowan Beach; also by BDMLR volunteers. Termite was found alone, extremely malnourished, and suffering from a respiratory infection, having likely been separated from her mother far too early.

“These pups are incredibly small and fragile,” said Tamara Cooper, Curator at the Cornish Seal Sanctuary. “Our team is doing everything possible to stabilise them and both pups have improved over the past couple of days, they’ve already shown remarkable resilience, and we’re hopeful that, with time and care, they’ll make a full recovery."

Both pups are being given specialist care around the clock by the Sanctuary’s expert animal care team. While in intensive care, they can be seen through the hospital’s viewing windows; but only if visitors are quiet and respectful, as reducing stress is essential to their recovery.

Last season the Cornish Seal Sanctuary rehabilitated 31 seal pups, offering a vital lifeline to animals affected by injury, malnourishment, storms, or human disturbance. With these two early arrivals already in hospital, the Sanctuary is preparing for what may be an especially busy and demanding season; and is encouraging public support and awareness more than ever.

“This is one of the earliest rescues we've seen in recent years, and it’s unusual to have pups this small and vulnerable at this stage of the year,” said Tamara Cooper, Sanctuary Curator “It’s a stark reminder that changing environmental pressures are affecting marine life in unpredictable ways.”

A changing environment

Warmer sea temperatures and changing weather patterns can alter the natural timing of breeding and pupping seasons. Some seals may give birth earlier in the year, resulting in more vulnerable pups arriving ahead of the typical rescue season. These early admissions are worrying signs of a changing environment. While each case needs to be assessed individually, the trend of early, underweight, or sick pups is becoming more common and places increasing pressure on the whole seal rescue network.

Once again, the Sanctuary is reminding the public what to do if they come across a young pup on the beach this season;

Keep a respectful distance from seals; (at least 100 metres) is vital to protect their welfare. Getting too close, even unintentionally, can cause serious disturbance, leading seals to flee into the water, abandon their pups, or injure themselves in panic. By giving seals plenty of space and observing quietly from afar, we help ensure they can rest, feed, and care for their young without stress.

If the pup is alone, thin, injured or seems unwell (noisy breathing, coughing, runny nose) it may need help.

Call Cornish Seal Sanctuary for expert advice on 01326221 361 or British Divers Marine Life Rescue on 01825 765 546 giving an accurate location.

What to do if you find a seal pup