Grey Seal Rescued on Eastbourne Beach.

Medics from British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR), and East Sussex Wildlife Rescue & Ambulance Service (WRAS) were called out to a Grey Seal on Eastbourne Beach close to Treasure Island this morning (Sat 23rd April 2022) at about 9:30am. After a spate of calls to a regular Grey Seal moulting on local Beaches medics expected the seal to be the same one, as Grey Seals are uncommon on the Eastbourne coastline. Local medics from BDMLR attended on site first of all and report back their concerns to BDMLR's National on-call co-ordinator. BDMLR then requested the help of Trevor Weeks MBE advanced medic who also works for East Sussex WRAS. Trevor attended on site and was also concerned the seal was not the same as previous but also agreed with local medics that the seal's demeanour, puncture wound on a front flipper and weight was of concern. Trevor attempted capture of the seal with support from the local BDMLR medics. Seal's are very strong animals and have sharp teeth so need to be treated to caution and respect. Capture was successful and the seal carried up to WRAS's waiting ambulance and was then transported to East Sussex WRAS's Casualty Centre at Whitesmith. The seal was tubed a rehydration fluid whilst waiting on confirmation from BDMLR that the seal could be transported to specialist seal facilities at RSPCA Mallydams Wood near Hastings. The seal was transported in one of East Sussex WRAS veterinary ambulances to Hastings where it was admitted for assessment and treatment. "The seal was underweight and had a nasty discharge from its nose. Appeared dehydrated and it soon became apparent that the seal was rather chesty too" said Trevor, " some seals are moulting at the moment and its not uncommon for them to come out onto beaches to rest as moulting can be a exhausting process for wildlife animals. We have had numerous calls about a grey seal on Seaford and Eastbourne beach recently but from ID photos taken on each visit we were sure this was not the same seal." The seal will now stay with RSPCA Mallydams Wood till it is ready for release.

East Sussex WRAS - Reg Charity 1108880

BDMLR - Reg Charity 803438.

Video without logos for Media Use: https://youtu.be/ApnxTa3Mi_4

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