Rocky the jet-setting seal back to fighting weight

Rocky the seal is putting on weight fast thanks to staff at the South Essex Wildlife Hospital

The first seal ever to be flown by private jet to a wildlife hospital in Essex has put on more than half his own body weight in just 10 days.

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 taken to the South Essex Wildlife Hospital in Orsett because the only seal facility on the Channel Islands was closed for refurbishment.

"When he first arrived we had to force feed him, but now he's eating fish whole, which is a very good sign," said hospital operations manager Lawrie Brailey.

This picture of Rocky was taken when he was found - he weighed just 13kg (2st)

The grey seal was found by volunteers from the British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) charity. They also arranged for him to be flown direct to Southend before being transferred to the animal hospital.

"When he was found he weighed just 13kg (2st)," added Mr Brailey.

"He's now up to more than 20kg (3st 2lb) and at the moment he's putting on more than 1kg a day (2.2lb)."

Grey seals are found around the British coast. While the mothers of common seals wean their pups gradually, grey seals are effectively abandoned at about four weeks - Rocky's approximate age when he was found.

Mr Brailey says Rocky would need to get up to 35 kg (5st 7lb) before the hospital considers releasing him into the world. He's also still being treated for an ulcer in his eye.

"The transformation over ten days has been extraordinary. He was really quite sad when he arrived. Now he is a very cheeky boy."

Rocky was transferred direct from the plane to an animal ambulance at the airport