SEA LIFE Hunstanton is set to release five adorable seal pups back into the wild following a successful rehabilitation programme in the attraction’s revamped seal pup recovery pool, which opened earlier this year.
SEA LIFE Hunstanton is home to a dedicated seal rescue centre and hospital, having rescued and rehabilitated over 750 seals since opening in 1989.
Over recent years, the number of seals needing the help of SEA LIFE Hunstanton has increased year on year, to the point where the facilities needed to be improved to cope with the large numbers.
After completing intensive care in the seal hospital, the pups are moved outdoors to the specialised pup recovery pool, where they regain muscle strength, body fat, and learn to swim and dive, so they can look after themselves in the wild.
On Tuesday 4th October, SEA LIFE Hunstanton will release its five latest success stories – who have all been named after types of cheese: Wensleydale, Applewood, Blue, Camembert and Brie – back into the sea.
Wensleydale was rescued back in May after being abandoned by her mother at Brancaster Beach. Due to a fluffy layer of fur, which is normally shed before birth, rescuers were able to tell she was premature and was no more than 48 hours old at the time of rescue. During her time in rehab, Wensleydale has gone from strength to strength and is now one of the attraction’s largest seals, she’s also struck up an endearing relationship with Assistant Curator, Sophie.
Applewood was rescued on the 9th June and became the second seal of the season to be rescued. She was discovered with her umbilicus, leading the team to believe she must have only been a few days old. She is one of the quieter seals at the attraction, but has bonded very well with the other pups and enjoys playing with her fellow flippered friends.
Blue was the first and only boy to be rescued this season! Rescued by SEA LIFE Aquarist Katie and Assistant Curator Sophie on Hunstanton beach, he was also premature and very small. Despite his low chance of survival, Blue has come on leaps and bounds, learning to feed for himself with ease and has grown up to be ready for the open waters once again.
