Maya, Faulkner, Jem and Didier were washed up on Jersey’s shores between four and six months ago, after being separated from their mothers due to the stormy weather conditions.
Because Jersey lacked the resources to care for seals, they were sent to the shelter in Guernsey.
Staff said they all “doubled, tripled, or even quadrupled their rescue weight” at the GSCPA.
The charity added this was the first time in five years that Jersey-born seal pups had been returned to their native waters.
Pictured: The seals were transported back to the island on Guernsey Condor Ferries and were released on the island’s East Coast by the GSPCA, Jersey and Guernsey States vets, and British Divers Marine Life Rescue.
Donna de Gruchy, the Jersey coordinator for British Divers Marine Life Rescue, said that the seals will likely spread out from Anneport to areas such as Gorey and St Catherine’s.
She advised boat owners to “give them as much space as possible.”
Record year for seal rescues
The GSPCA said it had saved a record number of seals this year,with manager Steve Byrne saying this had been the “busiest season in 151 years.”
The charity, which has faced challenges such as a lack of storage freezers and damage from Storm Ciarán, had planned to send Channel Island seals to the UK for rehabilitation as the GSPCA’s headquarters was due to be refurbished.
However, due to a delay in the revamp until spring and the fact that all UK seal rehabilitation centres were already at full capacity, Guernsey staff offered to care for the seals.
The staff continue to care for other Guernsey seals – Valentine, Dolly, Doyle, Grinch, Baby Shark, and Ghost – until they are ready for release.
Jersey’s BDMLR group have previously said they would ideally like a Jersey facility to aid rehabilitation.
Meet the pups…
“Dehydrated” Didier…
Dehydrated and hypothermic Didier was found struggling at Anneport Beach in January by a dogwalker when he was five-to-six-week-olds.
“Feisty” Maya
Maya, a “feisty” five-to-six-week-old pup found in January, was found struggling at Corbiere Causeway and suffering from dehydration and a mouth infection.
“Foundling” Faulkner
The “growly” two-week-old pup was found stranded on Faulkner Fisheries at L’Etacq by a marine mammal medic during a routine beach clean in November.
“Poorly” Jem
The five-to-six-week-old pup washed up at Gorey Harbour after losing her mum in November. Jem holds the British record for the smallest seal ever rehabilitated and released back into the wild.
SUPPORT…
ADVICE:
Islanders should not handle a seal pup if they find one, to keep dogs on leads and well away, call the JSPCA on 724331 – or their out-of-hours number, 07797 720331.
DONATE:
To contribute to the care of Channel Island seals and support GSPCA’s initiatives, donations can be made through their website HERE.
READ MORE…
“Feisty” seal pup rescued from Corbiere sent to Guernsey for rehab
WATCH: Rescued Jersey seal pup comforted by fake ‘mama’ made from waterproof trousers
“Growly” Faulkner the seal pup heads to Guernsey for rehab
Jem the “poorly” seal pup sent to Guernsey for emergency treatment
Jersey seal rescuers ponder local rehab facility as another pup found