Boat World news

An emaciated Atlantic grey seal which nearly choked to death with a frisbee stuck around her neck has been released back into the wild after a five-month recovery programme. The seal was ‘nearly dead’ with deep cut wounds when she was found last year at Horsey beach in Norfolk in the UK.

Staff at the RSPCA’S East Winch wildlife centre – where staff nicknamed her Mrs Frisbee – had to cut away the plastic toy which had cut deep into the seal’s neck. They believe Mrs Frisbee could have been struggling with the plastic ring throttling her for up to six months.

But she has since made a full recovery, having ballooned from 67kg on admission to 180kg on the day she was released.

Centre Manager Alison Charles says the seal was given antibiotics and steroids and was eating mackerel by the next day.

“She’s a fighter. It’s taken a long, long time but she’s finally come good. She’s got a heck of a scar because of her extensive injury, but she’s brilliant.”

Charles says seals are inquisitive creatures by nature, and it’s likely she spotted the frisbee which got stuck round her neck.

“It is heartbreaking to think that this could have been prevented if people just took extra care with their litter on the coastline.”

“She’s a fighter. It’s taken a long, long time but she’s finally come good.”