Scottish SPCA cares for first rescued seal pups of the season

Animal welfare experts are caring for their first rescued grey seal pups of the season.

One was rescued in Aberdeenshire while the other was recovered from a beach in Thurso in the Highlands.

The Scottish SPCA expects to look after more than 100 grey seal pups of various ages over the course of the autumn and winter season.

This season, pups cared for at its national wildlife centre in Fishcross, Clackmannanshire, will be given Harry Potter-themed names and the first two have been named Harry and Mad-Eye.

Centre manager Colin Seddon said: “We received our first seal pups, Mad-Eye and Harry, on November 2.

“Harry is around three to four weeks old and Mad-Eye is between four and five weeks.

“Harry was brought to us by the British Divers marine life rescue team after he was found with several wounds and an infected flipper in Boddan, Aberdeenshire.

“Mad-Eye was found on Dunnet Beach in Thurso. As his name might suggest, he came to us with a collapsed eye which will have to be removed.

“We often do release seals with one eye, so we are hopeful Mad-Eye will still eventually enjoy a full life in the wild.”

The Scottish SPCA urged anyone who spots a pup which still has a white coat on a public beach to contact its animal helpline as the chances are it is in trouble and needs attention.

Mr Seddon said: “Grey seal pups which no longer have a white coat may still need our assistance if they are on a public beach and at risk, or have visible signs of injury, such as bleeding, crusty or damaged eyes, discharge from the nose, coughing or generally looking unwell.

“The public should contact our animal helpline and an operator will be able to assist.

“If the seal pup is not at risk and looks and acts healthy, it should be left alone.”

Anyone who discovers an injured or distressed wild animal should call the Scottish SPCA animal helpline on 03000 999 999.