Seal pups released back into wild by Guernsey animal shelter

Two grey seal pups rescued over the winter have been released back into the wild by a Guernsey animal charity.

Jethou Bumblebee was found in November and Hanois rescued in January. Both were sick, injured and less than half their ideal body weight.

Steve Byrne, GSPCA manager, said the seals had been driven ashore by the unseasonably rough seas.

He said: "Although a little unsure at first they were soon playing and enjoying being back in the wild."

'True privilege'

Mr Byrne said the months of intensive care and nearly 2,000kg of fish, the majority of which was donated or funded by public donation, had paid off.

He said the two pups had developed a bond and hoped this would help them in the wild. They were released from Jethou on Wednesday.

Geoff George, animal collection officer, said "The whole event from the rescue to the release has been a real highlight of my career and makes the job so worth while.

"To see them back in the wild was a true privilege and to actually see them jumping out of the water and Hanois even catch his first fish helps place my mind at rest that they will do well."

The charity aims to fundraise over the summer to improve its seal unit by making the pool bigger and fitting a pump system in case any further rescues are needed.