Delilah the Common Seal Pup Receiving Round-the-Clock Care at the GSPCA
A young common seal pup rescued last week near the Bathing Pools continues to receive intensive care at the GSPCA's Wildlife Hospital facilities.
The seal pup, named Delilah by GSPCA Head of Marine Mammals Geoff George, was admitted in a poorly condition and has required specialist treatment, including antibiotics and around-the-clock tube feeding.
Delilah is currently being fed a specially prepared dairy-free baby milk formula and remains under constant observation as staff work to build her strength.
Geoff George said:
"Delilah was admitted extremely weak and in need of urgent care. She is currently receiving antibiotics and around-the-clock tube feeds to ensure she gets the nutrition and hydration she needs. We are seeing some encouraging signs and she is recovering, but she is still very weak and has a long way to go."
"At this stage she requires constant monitoring and regular feeds throughout the day and night. Every seal pup is different, and with wildlife patients it can take time before they begin to show significant improvement, but we are all rooting for Delilah."
The GSPCA has cared for many grey seal pups over the years, but common seal pups are encountered far less frequently in Guernsey.
GSPCA Manager Steve Byrne said:
"It is quite rare for us to receive a common seal pup, making Delilah a very special patient. She is an incredibly pretty seal pup and has already won the hearts of many of the team and supporters following her progress."
"Geoff is working around the clock to ensure Delilah receives the care she needs, with regular tube feeds throughout the day and night. Looking after seal pups requires a huge amount of dedication, experience and resources, and we are grateful to everyone who supports our wildlife rescue work."
The GSPCA is appealing to islanders who would like to help Delilah's recovery and support the charity's wildlife rescue work to consider making a donation via:
https://giving.gg/charities/1/guernsey-society-for-the-prevention-of-cruelty-to-animals-gspca
Every donation helps provide specialist food, medication, equipment and veterinary care for wildlife patients like Delilah.
#GSPCABiggestBuildAppeal Progress Continues
Whilst caring for Delilah and hundreds of other wildlife casualties each year, the GSPCA continues work on the #GSPCABiggestBuildAppeal, the largest project in the charity's history.
Building work is progressing well, with doors currently being fitted to the new seal pens and ongoing work taking place around the pool areas which will help provide improved facilities for future marine mammal patients.
There are many ways supporters can help the appeal, including:
- Making a donation.
- Sponsoring a brick through the Buy A Brick campaign.
- Sponsoring specific parts of the new facilities.
- Helping fund environmentally friendly features such as solar panels.
- Supporting fundraising activities and events.
To find out more about the appeal visit:
https://www.gspca.org.gg/page/gspcabiggestbuildappeal
Grey Seal Pup Season Approaching
With the grey seal pup season fast approaching, the GSPCA is reminding the public that more seal pups are likely to be seen around Guernsey's coastline in the coming months.
If you spot a seal pup, it is important to:
- Keep a safe distance.
- Keep dogs well away and under control.
- Never attempt to touch, move or rescue the pup yourself.
- Avoid disturbing the area.
- Take a photograph if possible and report the sighting.
Approaching a seal pup too closely or allowing dogs to investigate can frighten away the mother and separate the pair at a crucial stage of the pup's development. In some circumstances this can result in a pup becoming orphaned.
If you see a seal pup, the GSPCA asks that you take a photograph and contact the charity on 257261, providing the location and any information which may help staff assess the situation. This allows the team to monitor the animal and intervene if assistance is required.
Steve Byrne added:
"Many healthy seal pups can look rather like large slugs on the beach and often appear perfectly content resting while waiting for mum to return. This is normal behaviour and does not necessarily mean they need rescuing."
"One warning sign people can look for is a noticeably thin neck. This can indicate a pup is struggling, underweight or potentially dehydrated. If you are concerned, please give us a call, send us a photograph and location details, and we can assess whether the pup requires help."
The GSPCA would like to thank everyone who reported Delilah, assisted following her rescue and continues to support the charity's vital wildlife rescue and rehabilitation work. Everybody at the GSPCA hopes that with ongoing care, treatment and plenty of dedication from Geoff and the team, Delilah will continue to gain strength in the days ahead.
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
- 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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