A young, undernourished seal found washed up on Brighton beach is now recovering at a specialist rescue centre.
The animal, described by the RSPCA as “exhausted and severely underweight,” was discovered on 7 August by children near the city’s West Pier.
Volunteers from British Divers Marine Life Rescue and the East Sussex Wildlife Rescue & Ambulance Service attended to the stricken pup before transferring it to the RSPCA Mallydams Wood Wildlife Centre in Hastings, where it is receiving intensive care.
Jess O’Doherty, wildlife supervisor at Mallydams, said: “The seal was in such a poor condition that he didn’t even flinch when approached. This kind of behaviour is very concerning in seals and signals serious exhaustion or illness.”
Staff at the centre have named the pup Fern. He was treated with antibiotics for a bite wound and given fluids and glucose to stabilise his condition.
O’Doherty added: “Although he looked very downcast on arrival, he’s already begun to perk up thanks to regular feeds and ongoing care. We’re doing everything we can to give him the second chance he deserves.”
Fern will remain under close observation as his rehabilitation continues.
