A poorly seal pup rescued from the slipway at the rear of Margate Winter Gardens is now recovering at the RSPCA Mallydams wildlife centre.
The pup, approximately six to eight weeks old, had been spotted moving away from the incoming tide – an indicator that he was unwell.
Volunteers from the British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) attended the site and rescued the pup.
Volunteer Sheila Stone said: “He was dehydrated and underweight at 18 kgs wen he should have been 30-35 kgs. He has a worm infestation and laboured breathing which could be an indication of a respiratory infection.
“We have dropped him off at the RSPCA Mallydams centre, near Hastings, where he will be seen by a vet. After treatment he will be rehabilitated and released.”
The BDMLR is a registered charity operated by volunteers and dedicated to the rescue and well-being of all marine animals in distress around the UK. Rescue teams are on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
The organisation is hosting a marine mammal medic course this September at Walpole Bay.
The course trains individuals to help and rescue marine life including whales, dolphins and seals and allows individuals to volunteer with British Divers Marine Life Rescue and become part of the team.
The course fee is £90 – this includes the first year’s supporter’s fee and third party insurance while on a rescue.
It takes place on September 13. Find the event page here
