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CELINE, AXL AND MEATLOAF RETURN TO SEA
THIS is the happy moment three grey seals were released back into the wild.
Celine, Axl and Meatloaf bounced into the North Sea after being cared for at Blue Reef Tynemouth.
Celine in particular had faced a tough nine-month road to recovery to reach this stage.
She had first arrived at the aquarium’s marine rescue centre from the Wirral in November. Celine was finally declared fighting fit after battling persistent injuries and infections.
Axl and Meatloaf were both taken in after being picked up on North East beaches.
The trio, all named after famous singers, were the final three to be released for this cycle since pupping season last October.
Keepers said the operation at St Mary’s Island in Whitley Bay went off without a hitch. Blue Reef has taken care of more than 30 grey seals since November. The team care for sick, injured or abandoned seals and rehabilitate them back to full strength.
Head of seal rescue Terry McKeone said “It has been a long hard journey to get here, but we are delighted to see Celine and the boys go.
“There is not a better feeling than seeing seals, who would have likely died without treatment, back being healthy and in the wild.”
The seals are cared for in the marine rescue centre by Blue Reef Aquarium staff and volunteers from British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR).
Visit www.bluereefaquarium.co.uk/ tynemouth.