Grey Seal Pup Rescued Near the Fairy Ring With Severe Netting Injury
This morning the GSPCA team were called to an urgent rescue after reports of a grey seal pup struggling along the shoreline near the Fairy Ring on the south coast of Guernsey. Witnesses spotted the young male pup with horrendous netting tightly embedded around his neck, causing a severe and infected wound.
Head of Marine Mammals Geoff George, assisted by GSPCA team member Luke Roussel, rushed to the scene. The pup, estimated at around 30kg and only a couple of months old, was carefully rescued and transported directly to the vets. There, the embedded netting was removed and the open, infected wound received immediate treatment.
The pup is now settling into the temporary seal facilities at the GSPCA, joining the six other grey seal pups currently in our care. Three of these pups are doing extremely well and are nearly ready for release back to the wild once final checks are completed.
Originally, if the newly rescued pup had been female, the team were planning to name her Annette. As he is male, the GSPCA is inviting the public to suggest name ideas for the newest arrival.
This winter has once again highlighted the essential need for improved facilities. The GSPCA’s #GSPCABiggestBuild Appeal—which includes the development of the new Wildlife Hospital—continues to progress well, with the roof currently being fitted this week. The charity continues to rely on public donations and support to complete the project.
Quote from Geoff George, GSPCA Head of Marine Mammals
“Yet again we are seeing the devastating impact that discarded netting and marine waste has on our local wildlife. This poor pup was in a truly terrible state when we reached him, and without today’s rescue he would not have survived. I’m incredibly proud of the team and grateful for the quick reports from the public that allowed us to save him in time.”
Quote from Steve Byrne, GSPCA Manager
“Rubbish and waste in our oceans and along our coastlines continue to cause horrific injuries to the animals that share our island. Every piece of netting, plastic or litter has the potential to trap, injure or kill wildlife. Today’s rescue is a stark reminder of why it is so important for us all to act responsibly, dispose of waste properly, and support facilities like the Wildlife Hospital through our #GSPCABiggestBuild Appeal.”
What to Do if You See a Seal Pup in Guernsey
- Keep your distance – seal pups frighten easily and can be vulnerable.
- Do not attempt to return it to the sea – pups often rest on land and forcing them into the water can be fatal.
- Keep dogs on leads and away from the area.
- Call the GSPCA immediately on 01481 257261 or the GSPCA emergency number 07781 104074.
- Provide the exact location and, if safe, a photograph to help assess the situation.
For further information, to suggest a name for the new pup, or to support the #GSPCABiggestBuild Appeal, please visit www.gspca.org.gg or contact the shelter directly.
To see our youtube channel and a VT of Percival 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
- World Wildlife Day 3rd March 2026
- International Day of the Seal 22nd March 2026
- National Puppy Day 23rd March 2026
- Easter Tours March/April 2026 To be confirmed
- National Ferret Day 2nd April 2026
- Dog First Aid Course 6.30pm - 8.45pm Wednesday 15th April 2026 Ref – Dog15/04
- EDABL Seafront Sunday 26th April 2026
- Cat First Aid Course 6.30pm - 8.45pm Wednesday 29th April 2026 Ref – Cat29/04
- Animal Welfare Seafront Sunday 3rd May 2026
- Charities Seafront Sunday 17th May 2026
- GSPCA Cupcake Week 15th to 22nd May 2026
- Half Term Tours May 2026 May 2026 To be confirmed
- Microchip Month June 2026
- Volunteers Week 1st – 7th June 2026
- Guernsey Together Saturday 13th June 2026
- EDABL Seafront Sunday 21st June 2026
- Take Your Dog to Work Day Friday 26th June 2026
- Kitten Day 10th July 2026
- World Snake Day 16th July 2026
- Guinea Pig Appreciation Day 16th July 2026
- EDABL Seafront Sunday 19th July 2026
- Rabbit Awareness Week (RAW) 23rd – 27th July 2026
- Summer Guided Tours July/August 2026 to be confirmed
- South Show GSPCA Dog Show Saturday 8th August 2026
- West Show 12th-13th August 2026
- World Lizard Day 14th August 2026
- North Show 19th-20th August 2026
- International Dog Day 26th August 2026
- EDABL Seafront Sunday 30th 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
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.”
Post new comment