Fifth seal pup rescued in last month

Caroline Robinson
News imageGSPCA A small seal lying down on the rocks and seaweed. GSPCA
Icicle was rescued near Fairy Ring

An animal charity has rescued its fifth seal pup in less than five weeks.

The GSPCA said the pup, named Icicle, was found to be half her ideal bodyweight at 20kg (44lb), was in poorly condition and there was no mother in sight.

It said the pup was monitored over the weekend but due to stormy weather it was likely Icicle had been separated from her mother and quickly lost condition and weight.

Icicle was rescued near the Fairy Ring, Guernsey, on Sunday and was "doing well" at the GSPCA's temporary seal pup area.

Geoff George, head of marine mammals at GSPCA, said: "Icicle is doing well in our temporary intensive care area and has taken a dip in the pool area with the other pups earlier today.

"Last month we rescued three grey seal pups which we named Glacier, Frosty and Blizzard which all are responding well, as is Avalanche rescued this month."

Steve Byrne, GSPCA manager, said: "What a way to start 2026 as we rescue our fifth seal pup in a month."

He added it was possible Storm Goretti had helped cause the seal pup to get separated from its mother.

News imageGSCPA A small seal lying on the rocks. The rocks are covered in seaweed. The image is slightly blurred. GSCPA
Icicle is now at the temporary seal pup area at the GSPCA

"All pups are in our temporary seal pup area we have made while our new wildlife hospital continues to be built and it has filled very quickly, although it is great to see Frosty and Blizzard now out in the starter pool," Byrne added.

He added: "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 and if you do see a seal in trouble please call us."

Follow BBC Guernsey on X and Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected].

Related internet links