Guernsey’s seal pup season has barely begun, but the GSPCA is already dealing with its third critically unwell rescue in under a fortnight, after a young male pup was found abandoned and dangerously underweight on New Year’s Eve.
The pup – now named Glacier – was discovered near the Fairy Ring at Pleinmont with no sign of its mother.
According to the charity, the six-week-old pup weighed just 19kg, which is just half of what it should be, and was suffering from severe dehydration and a chest infection.
Geoff George, Head of Marine Mammals at the GSPCA, said the New Year’s Eve call-out followed two earlier rescues last month.
“We rescued two pups earlier this month which we named Frosty and Blizzard,” he said.
“[On] New Year’s Eve, we had another call for a third pup rescue who looked poorly and half the weight it should be with no mother in sight.
“The six-week-old male pup is only 19kgs and very dehydrated with a chest infection. We have called him Glacier and he will need some months of care and likely antibiotics.”
GSPCA Manager Steve Byrne said the rescue marked a worrying end to 2025 and an early indication of what could be a demanding season ahead.
“What a way to end 2025 as we rescue our third seal pup in less than two weeks,” he said.
“Glacier and the new seal pups are receiving 24/7 care with Geoff and the team. All pups are in our temporary seal pup area we have made while our new wildlife hospital continues to be built.”
Mr Byrne added that all three pups are in a serious condition.
“All pups are very poorly and should be for their age at around two to three weeks be over 40kgs in weight,” he said.
“We are at the start of the seal pup season and with the stormy weather this time of year we have no doubt there will be others needing our help.”
The charity is urging islanders to report any seals that appear injured, underweight or alone.
“If you do see a seal in trouble please call us on 257261,” Mr Byrne said.
Despite the challenges, the GSPCA says its rescue record remains strong. Over the past 14 years, the charity has successfully rescued and released 45 seal pups back into local waters.
However, this year’s rescues are taking place without the charity’s usual facilities, which were demolished earlier this year as part of plans for a new wildlife hospital.
“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,” Mr Byrne said.
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