At only two weeks of age the young seal pup should weigh closer to 40kgs and look like a fat slug or maggot shape sadly not thin and dehydrated.
The seal pup will now need around the clock care with tube feeds and hydration every two hours day and night.
Geoff George GSPCA Ambulance Driver said "We have just been called out to rescue a grey seal pup we have named Temperance who is extremely dehydrated and only 11kgs so a quarter of the weight a pup of 2 weeks should be."
"The pup is now under a heat lamp and will need treatment and fluids every 2 hours day and night at the GSPCA."
"This is the earliest grey seal pup we have rescued in Guernsey as normally we see them in December and January."
"It is extremely early days for Temperance and we will do everything we can to help this young pup make it back to the wild."
Steve Byrne GSPCA Manager said "We have been bracing ourselves during the bad weather we have had for an injured seal pup and today is the first we have rescued this year in Guernsey."
"The young pup is extremely thin and dehydrated we are doing all we can at the GSPCA to help Temperance."
"Seal pups are being born around our coast and it is always best not to get too close as you can scare the mother away."
"If you are concerned for a young seal pup please do call us on 257261."
"Temperance will need around the clock care and we are appealing for donations to help her and the many animals at the GSPCA."
"You can donate online https://www.paypal.me/DonateGSPCA calling 257261 or st the Shelter to help Temperance and the 500+ animals in our care."
"We will of course keep you up to date on how Temperance is and hopefully improves."
If anyone see's a pup with or without a mum we really do appreciate a call so that we are aware of its location and condition, but here is some advice.
A healthy pup looks like a big, stuffed maggot without a neck. However, a thin pup looks sleek (but not bony) and has a visible neck, like a healthy dog.
PLEASE DO NOT TOUCH THE SEAL. They can give a nasty bite, which will become infected by bacteria that live in a seal’s mouths.
Note: Do not allow dogs or other animals to harass a seal.
If a Seal is scared back into the water, it could then be washed out to sea by strong currents and be lost. You should not put a seal pup back in the sea as it may get into difficulty.
If a Seal pup is sick, thin or injured then we would ask you to contact the GSPCA immediately on 01481 257261 day or night
When reporting an injured, sick or abandoned seal to the GSPCA, please make sure you are able to supply the following information:
Exact location; nearest town / village
Position on the beach, and state of the tide
How long you have observed the pup; any disturbance / risk to it; whether the mother has been seen
Any wounds / obvious signs of illness
Length/colour/condition.
Caution:- Handling of any animal either domestic, wild, dead or alive may be potentially hazardous. Obvious dangers include bites, scratches and general hygiene issues. Common sense should be applied in all instances and, if unsure, seek additional advice or assistance. Personal hygiene should be taken into consideration after handling any animal, whether it’s domestic, wild, dead or alive.
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