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Seal rescued by private jet released into wild

Richard Knights/BBC Rocky the grey seal has just emerged from a red and white crate. He lies on his tummy just next to the sea. The door to the crate is still open. He is looking around nervously.Richard Knights/BBC
Rocky was described as "lovely" by staff at the wildlife hospital

The first seal to be flown by private jet to a wildlife hospital has been released back into the wild.

Rocky the seal had to be rescued by divers after being found exhausted and unwell at a harbour in Jersey in October.

The pup was flown to the South Essex Wildlife Hospital, Orsett, where he spent just under two months recovering and putting on weight.

The hospital said grey seals usually have "quite the attitude" but Rocky was "lovely".

Richard Knights/BBC A man and a woman, both wearing waterproofs and wellington boots, carry a white and red crate next to the shore. Through the grill on the front of the crate, you can see the shape of Rocky the seal.Richard Knights/BBC
This time there was no private jet for Rocky as he was taken to the Essex coast to be released

Four-week-old grey seal pups should weigh between 3st 2lb and 3st 13lb (19.9kg and 24.9kg), but Rocky was two stone (13kg) when he was found - the same weight as a newborn pup.

While at the South Essex Wildlife Hospital, he focused on eating, rehydrating and relearning how to hold his breath underwater.

It was decided he should be released off the Essex coast near other grey seals, meaning no jet was needed to help with his release.

South Essex Wildlife Hospital Rocky the seal in a grey cage being carried by two people from a small white and green light aircraft to the veterinary ambulance, which is also white and green and has a red canoe-type boat fastened on its roof.South Essex Wildlife Hospital
Earlier this year, the British Divers Marine Life Rescue arranged for the transfer to take place on the airport's tarmac

He was transported by a van from the hospital to Walton-on-the-Naze on Sunday.

At first Rocky appeared hesitant to leave, but then swam away out of sight.

Tom Linsel, the hospital's chief veterinarian, said it was "very nice to see him to go".

"At first he was hesitating. But now I think he understands where his place is."

Sue Schwar, the hospital's founder, said most of the seals they have cared for can be grumpy but Rocky had been "a very nice character".

Injured Jersey seal rehomed in Essex

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