Seal pups released back into sea after treatment

Five orphaned seal pups who were found severely underweight and sick have been returned to the sea after treatment.

The grey seals were admitted to the RSPCA's Stapeley Grange wildlife centre in Nantwich, Cheshire, in March and April after they were rescued by the British Divers Marine Life Rescue.

During their stay, staff named the five pups after characters from TV show The Muppets – Yolanda, Floyd Pepper, Fozzie, Bert and Ernie.

Once they had gained weight and were deemed to be well enough, they were released back into the wild off England's east coast this week.

Lee Stewart, manager of the wildlife centre, said the pups had to be tube-fed by hand in the first days of their treatment by the site's "wonderful, dedicated team".

"Raising and rehabilitating seals is no easy task - it takes time, effort, and significant resources but every moment and every pound spent is worth it," he said.

Once tagged and released into the wild, Stapeley Grange staff monitor seal pups who have been rehabilitated at the centre.

The RSPCA said caring for the animals required specialist facilities, with Stapeley Grange among a handful to have the correct equipment and expertise.

The growing seal population has caused higher numbers of underweight or sick pups, the organisation added, but people should be wary about approaching them as it was not unusual for them to be alone and they can have a "nasty bite".

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