Sixth Grey Seal Pup “Iceberg Lettuce” Returns to the Wild

Sixth Grey Seal Pup “Iceberg Lettuce” Returns to the Wild

The GSPCA is delighted to announce the successful release of Iceberg Lettuce, the sixth grey seal pup to be returned to the wild this year, marking the charity’s 51st seal release over the past 15 years.

Earlier this year, Iceberg Lettuce was rescued in a very poor condition—extremely thin, dehydrated and in need of urgent care. Thanks to the dedication and expertise of the GSPCA team particularly Head of Marine Mammals, the pup has made a remarkable recovery, reaching a healthy weight of 50kg+ before being deemed fit for release.

The release took place in bright sunshine at Port Soif, near the Imperial, creating a truly special and memorable moment for all involved. GSPCA Manager Steve Byrne was joined by Head of Marine Mammals Geoff George, along with team members Luke Rousell, Seb Goman, Sharna Leaman, Ana Amaral, Martina de la Mare, Anna Jones and Dani Brouard, who supports Geoff tirelessly day and night with seal care.

Iceberg Lettuce provided a final reminder of its strength and spirit ahead of release, giving Geoff something of a challenge when being carefully boxed for the short journey to the beach. Once safely at the shoreline, the pup made its way back into the sea, a heartwarming reward for months of dedicated care.

Steve Byrne, GSPCA Manager, said:
“To see Iceberg Lettuce return to the wild in such wonderful conditions is incredibly special for all of us. When this pup first arrived, so thin and dehydrated, we were deeply concerned. Thanks to the hard work of  Geof with Dani and our team and supporters, seeing him now at 50+ kilos and swimming back into the sea is an emotional and proud moment. Each release reminds us why we do what we do.”

Geoff George, Head of Marine Mammals, added:
“Iceberg Lettuce has been a real character during rehabilitation and certainly kept us on our toes! From a very fragile start to becoming a strong, healthy seal ready for release is what makes all the effort worthwhile. Boxing him up for the journey was a bit of a challenge, but seeing him head back into the sea made every moment worth it.”

This release marks the sixth grey seal pup successfully returned to the wild by the GSPCA this year, continuing a long-standing effort that has now seen 51 seals released over the past 15 years.

As the seal pup season draws to a close, the GSPCA is hopeful that the next pup will arrive much later in the year, ideally when their new Wildlife Hospital is completed. The much-anticipated facility is now over halfway built, with roofs in place on both sides and solar panel installation underway.

The charity continues to appeal for support for the #GSPCABiggestBuildAppeal, helping to ensure future generations of wildlife, including seals like Iceberg Lettuce, receive the highest level of care.

To support the GSPCA and the #GSPCABiggestBuildAppeal, please visit: www.gspca.org.gg

To see our youtube channel and lots of videos of the seals please visit https://www.youtube.com/@TheGuernseySPCA

Steve continues

“Recently we had a fantastic sunny monumental time as we marked releasing our 49^th and 50^th seal pups in 15 years.  We also had Marie Gill join us who was the winner of the competition when we asked islanders to donate to the pups care and we chose at random a person to attend a release. The care Geoff provides to these pups is truly exceptional, and it’s thanks to his dedication—along with the support of our incredible staff, volunteers and the public—that we’re able to give seal pups like Icicle and Ice Ice Baby a second chance at life in the wild. As we celebrated this release, we are also continuing work on our new Wildlife Hospital as part of the #GSPCABiggestBuildAppeal . We are past the halfway stage of both the build and the fundraising, and we still need the community’s support to help us complete this vital facility. Every donation helps us continue caring for wildlife in need, from seal pups to hedgehogs and everything in between.”

“We are near the end of this seal pup season and but there may well be others needing our help and if you do see a seal in trouble please call us on 257261.”

“Although we don’t have our traditional seal facilities as they were demolished earlier this year, we have created a fantastic area while the Wildlife Hospital is being built.”

“The Wildlife Hospital is part of our BIGGEST Build in our history and we really need your support and to find out more please visit https://www.gspca.org.gg/blog/gspca-biggest-build-appeal .”

Marie Gill said when she made her donation to enter the competition ‘I think the work you do is amazing we are so lucky in Guernsey to have such an inspiring GSPCA. Would love to be part of the release.’

If You Spot A Seal Pup

If you find a seal pup that looks FIT AND HEALTHY and it shows no signs of distress, you may consider monitoring it from a safe distance for 24 hours. Unfortunately, too many seal pups get taken into captivity because people think they have been abandoned. If the mother does not return within 24 hours, we would ask you to contact 01481 257261.

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 our 24-hour cruelty and advice line

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.

For any questions please contact 01481 257261

Please remember and keep your animals and pets safe during the high winds, especially those that are kept outdoors.

Here is a table of the seals we have helped back to the wild and those in our care -

To see some of the previous stories about seals please click here http://www.gspca.org.gg/blog/tag/seals .

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

• Charities Seafront Sunday 17^th May 2026
• GSPCA Cupcake Week 15^th to 22^nd May 2026
• Half Term Tours May 2026 May 2026 To be confirmed
• Microchip Month June 2026
• Volunteers Week 1^st – 7^th June 2026
• Guernsey Together Saturday 13^th June 2026
• Classic Vehicle Show Sunday 21^st June 2026
• Take Your Dog to Work Day Friday 26^th June 2026
• Viaer Marchi Monday 6^th July 2026
• Kitten Day 10^th July 2026
• World Snake Day 16^th July 2026
• Guinea Pig Appreciation Day 16th July 2026
• Rabbit Awareness Week (RAW) 23^rd – 27^th July 2026
• Summer Guided Tours July/August 2026 to be confirmed
• South Show GSPCA Dog Show Saturday 8^th August 2026
• West Show 12^th-13^th August 2026
• World Lizard Day 14^th August 2026
• North Show 19^th-20^th August 2026
• International Dog Day 26^th August 2026
• World Animal Month October 2026
• World Animal Day 4^th October 2026
• Feral Cat Day 16^th October 2026
• National cat Day 29^th 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 4^th 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.”