Common Seal Pup Rescued which is rare in Guernsey
The GSPCA has taken in a rare to see in Guernsey, a common seal pup after it was rescued this afternoon on east coast.
The young pup was found between the Children's Bathing Pools and the site of the old Aquarium by GSPCA Head of Marine Mammals, Geoff George. Despite careful observation of the area, no mother was seen nearby and the decision was made to rescue the pup due to concerns for its welfare and weight.
Common seals are extremely rare around the Bailiwick, with the last common seal pup requiring rescue by the GSPCA washing ashore in poor condition in 2018. Unlike grey seals, which are often seen in local waters, common seal pups are very seldom born in Guernsey. Those that arrive in the islands have often travelled considerable distances and can be exhausted, underweight and vulnerable by the time they are found.
The pup rescued today is believed to be no more than a couple of weeks old and currently weighs just 10kg, significantly below what would be expected for a healthy pup of that age. It is now receiving specialist care in the GSPCA's temporary wildlife facilities while work continues on the charity's new Wildlife Hospital as part of the #GSPCABiggestBuildAppeal.
Geoff George, GSPCA Head of Marine Mammals, said:
"Common seal pups are incredibly rare visitors to Guernsey and this little one is very underweight for its age. When we arrived there was no sign of its mother and it was clear the pup needed assistance. It has now been safely transported to the GSPCA where we can assess its condition, provide supportive care and give it the best possible chance of recovery."
Common seals, also known as harbour seals, are one of two native seal species found around the British Isles. Pups are born with a waterproof coat and can swim almost immediately after birth. During the first few weeks of life they rely heavily on their mother's rich milk and can gain weight rapidly when feeding successfully. Without regular feeding, young pups can quickly become weak and dehydrated.
GSPCA Manager Steve Byrne said:
"It is always special to receive a common seal pup as they are such rare animals in the Bailiwick. The last common seal pup we rescued was in 2018, so today's rescue is particularly unusual. Although this young pup is very underweight, we are hopeful that with expert care and monitoring it can regain strength. Cases like this highlight the importance of having specialist wildlife facilities, and while we continue caring for wildlife from temporary accommodation, our new Wildlife Hospital remains a vital project for the future."
Steve added:
"We would like to thank everyone who reports wildlife concerns to us. Members of the public play a vital role in helping us respond quickly when animals are in difficulty. We will provide updates on the pup's progress when appropriate and would ask people to remember that seals should always be observed from a distance and never approached or handled."
The GSPCA continues to appeal for support for the #GSPCABiggestBuildAppeal, which will provide modern facilities to care for the thousands of wildlife casualties and sick or injured animals that arrive at the charity each year.
For more information on the appeal, how to donate, or advice on what to do if you find a seal pup, please contact the GSPCA or visit www.gspca.org.gg.
Check out more on the #GSPCABiggestBuildAppeal – https://www.gspca.org.gg/page/gspcabiggestbuildappeal
To donate to our work and the other animals in our care https://giving.gg/donate/charity/2/Guernsey-Society-for-the-Prevention-of-Cruelty-to-Animals-(GSPCA)
To see animals looking for new homes
https://www.gspca.org.gg/animals
To see our youtube channel and lots of videos please visit https://www.youtube.com/@TheGuernseySPCA
To see events, ways to support and animals in need please see our latest blog https://www.gspca.org.gg/blog
Upcoming events
- Summer Guided Tours July/August 2026 to be confirmed
- South Show GSPCA Dog Show Saturday 15th August 2026
- West Show 19th-20th August 2026
- World Lizard Day 14th August 2026
- North Show 26th-27th August 2026
- International Dog Day 26th August 2026
- World Animal Month October 2026
- World Animal Day 4th October 2026
- Feral Cat Day 16th October 2026
- National cat Day 29th October 2026
- Halt Term Spooky Tours October 2026 to be confirmed
- Dog First Aid Course 6.30pm - 8.45pm Thursday 12th November 2026 Ref – Dog12/11
- Cat First Aid Course 6.30pm - 8.45pm Thursday 26th November 2026 Ref – Cat26/11
- Possible Christmas Themed Animal Discovery Trail November/December 2026 to be confirmed with possible Ball
- World Wildlife Conservation Day 4th December 2026
- Festive Tours December/January 2026/7 to be confirmed
- Sidneys Sponsored Events - Grease and Dirty Dancing Saturday 10th April 2027
Steve continued “There are many ways to support the work of the GSPCA.”
“Our BIGGEST BUILD is now underway and we are desperately looking for support and to help in anyway please do get in touch and check out this link https://www.gspca.org.gg/blog/gspca-biggestbuild-begins-demolition-underway-%E2%80%93-buying-brick-sponsorship-can-you-help .”
“To become an Angel Pen Pal Sponsor donating each month to help the hundreds of animals in our care which you can do by downloading this form - http://www.gspca.org.gg/sites/default/files/Angel%20sponsor%20form%20special%202018%20new.pdf or to become a Corporate Angel Pen Pal form for your business to sponsor animals in our care each year please click here http://www.gspca.org.gg/sites/default/files/Corporate%20Angel%20Pen%20Pal%20sponsor%20formnew.pdf .”
“To think of helping animals and our work in your legacy or will please check out https://www.gspca.org.gg/about/gifts-wills-and-funding .”
“For those from those want to give CSR time and skills to those wanting to help sponsor or support something from our Wish List at the GSPCA http://www.gspca.org.gg/about/our-plans-wish-list .”
“If your group or business would like to find out about spending a day at the Shelter please go to -
http://www.gspca.org.gg/about/corporate-and-group-days “
“For other ways your business can help us here at the GSPCA please go to -
http://www.gspca.org.gg/about/how-your-business-can-help-gspca-corporate-sponsorship “
“If you would like to volunteer then to find out more details here -
http://www.gspca.org.gg/about/volunteers or to complete the volunteer application form please check out https://service.sheltermanager.com/asmservice?account=gspca&method=online_form_html&formid=14 .”
"We also have vacancies at the GSPCA and to find out more please visit https://www.gspca.org.gg/about/vacancies ."
"For lots of ways to support our work please visit https://www.gspca.org.gg/page/gspca-celebrating-150-years ."
“To visit our facebook page check out this link please click here .”
“To visit our x page please click here .”
“Thank you for your support.”
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