Multi-agency rescue to save seal pup on Eigg
A multi-agency rescue took place last week to save a seal pup abandoned on Eigg.
The pup, which has since been named Percy, was spotted by a sailor who happened to be a vet.
He monitored Percy for 24 hours and, when he noticed that he had not moved, he stepped in to administer life-saving fluids.
He waited another day to see if the mother would return, but when she didn’t, the multi-agency rescue began.
The sailor took Percy to Tobermory and contacted the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust and the Mull Aquarium. The pup was then transferred to the aquarium, as temperatures on the yacht soared in the heatwave.
Thanks to Coastal Connections and the British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR), it was taken to Oban, where a medic was waiting to carry out an assessment.
A woman, who wished to remain anonymous, said: ‘The SSPCA phoned me yesterday [Monday]. The pup is in the SSPCA centre in Fishcross, near Alloa, and it’s doing well.
‘It’s a common seal and will be there for a few months.
‘Occasionally a common seal will give birth to two pups, but only have enough milk for one.’
The woman added: ‘Seal pups should be left alone, unless in real difficulty, as in this case. People should not approach pups or take selfies with them.
‘It’s really important that people don’t step in quickly – most times the mother comes back. People need to phone for advice.’
Call the SSPCA on 03000
999 999.