Sealed with a splash

An octet of seals are back in the wild thanks to the hard work and dedication of staff at an RSPCA centre.

The pups had all been rescued and treated before heading back to the wild in a mass release at Sutton Bridge.

They had all needed months of care at the RSPCA centre in East Winch, near King’s Lynn.

“It was a great day for a release and all went swimmingly. It’s always lovely to watch them plunge into the water and then head off towards the sea, it really is a privilege to see,” said centre manager Alison Charles.

The seals, named Linguini, Fusilli, Pumpernickel, Pink Bean, Milk Roll, Tiger Bread, Celeriac and Tagliatelle, were orphaned. They were also either injured, emaciated or dehydrated.

The staff transported the seals to the release site on Thursday and watched as the young seals took a mud slide into the River Nene.

“2020 was such an emotionally challenging year for everyone and one that will never be forgotten.

“But the need to look after and care for animals didn’t stop and we continued to rescue and rehabilitate animals during these difficult times,” said Alison.

Currently the centre, which has purpose-built facilities for wildlife rehabilitation, has 31 seal pups, many of which need feeding every three hours.

Members of the public are being warned not to approach seals, which can bite, and to keep dogs well away from them.

If anyone finds a lone seal pup there is information on what to do on the RSPCA website at www.rspca.org.uk

The centre has also launched a Just Giving page to raise money to feed the rescued seals.