Rescued seal pups in Guernsey go back to the wild

Doyle, Dolly and Valentine were rescued earlier this year

An animal charity has successfully released the last three seal pups in its care back into the wild.

The GSPCA said the pups, named Doyle, Dolly and Valentine, were rescued in Guernsey during the winter season, earlier this year.

They had shown excellent progress during their rehabilitation, staff said.

Head of marine mammals Geoff George said the trio had "more than doubled and tripled their weight" and were released on Sunday during favourable weather which made it the "perfect day" to return to the sea.

Forty-one seals returned

GSPCA manager Steve Byrne described the release as taking place on a "stunning sunny" day with all three seals quickly taking to the water.

Staff said the latest release marked the end of the busiest year the GSPCA has experienced with seals, having returned a total of 41 seals to local waters over the last 12 years.

Mr Byrne highlighted it was unlikely Guernsey would see another seal pup until the new season as the end of the summer.

The GSPCA also announced it was in the process of selecting a building firm for its new wildlife hospital.

During the construction period, the charity might seek assistance from the UK for the rehabilitation of seals, bosses said.

For those who encounter a seal in trouble, the GSPCA advises calling 257261 and checking its website for further details on how to help.