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Highland seal pup is first to be rescued this season





Clipper the seal pup
Clipper the seal pup

A newborn seal pup found lying on a grassy shoreline in Dingwall with its umbilical cord still attached is the first of many harbour seal pups the Scottish SPCA expects to rescue and rehabilitate this summer.

Scotland's animal welfare charity was alerted to the days old male seal pup after tourists and dog walkers noticed the helpless youngster calling out for his mother while lying on the grass near Ferry Road, Old Harbour.

Members of the public reported seeing the pup in the area over two days with no sign of the mother returning to feed him.

Scottish SPCA Animal Rescue Officer Jamie Cherry rescued the seal pup with the assistance of the local coastguard and he is now being rehabilitated at the charity's National Wildlife Rescue Centre at Fishcross near Alloa, where he has been named Clipper.

Centre manager Colin Seddon said: "Clipper is typical of many of the seal pups that come into our care orphaned or injured and too young to survive by themselves.

"It's unfortunate that this pup was born in an area that is busy during the day with dog walkers and tourists so there's a high chance that mum has been prevented from returning to her pup due to her natural fear of people and other animals.

"We advise members of the public who discover uninjured seal pups on the shore not to disturb them as the mothers will leave them there for several hours while they are out in the water hunting for food.

"However, in this instance Clipper had been left for over 24 hours and the presence of people and dogs would have been adding to his distress so our help was required.

"After some initial rehydration fluids Clipper is now being tube fed a type of fish soup which contains vital nutrients he needs for growth and good health.

"We'll continue to rehabilitate Clipper at the centre until he is strong enough to be released."

Anyone who discovers an injured or distressed animal should call the Scottish SPCA Animal Helpline on 03000 999 999 for advice and assistance.


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