Sun Beetle was rescued on 17th September 2024
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Sun Beetle, a 4-5 weeks old female grey seal pup, was rescued on the 17th of September 2024 from Trebarwith Strand by Michelle, Faye, Linda and Michaele, of the British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) volunteer marine mammal medics.
This pup was found was in a rough shape, with multiple deep lacerations, puncture wounds, malnournished and a respiratory infection, weighing just 12.6kg. A decision was made by the BDMLR medics to uplift and transport her to the Cornish Seal Sanctuary where the animal care team could start her rehabilation.
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Photo Credit : Michelle Robinson-Clement - BDMLR
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These photos below were taken a few days later on 18th of September 2024 in the isolation area of the hospital where she is resting quietly.
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Update - 29th September 2024 : Sun Beetle is now in the main area of hospital and is learning how to eat for herself and enjoying her swims. Once her wounds are healed and has put some more weight on, Sun Beetle will be ready to move down to the outside nursery pools.
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Update - 5th October 2024 : Sun Beetle´s rehabilitation hasn´t been easy. She required several additional vet checks, as the animal care team were initially concerned about her lack of response to treatment. However, she eventually turned a corner! Sun Beetle is now completely off treatment, feeding herself, and steadily gaining weight. She´s also one of the feistiest pups the team have had, which will see her in good stead for release. She is currently in the outside nursery pool number 2.
Sun Beetle´s flipper tag ID number is SL304 (yellow).
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Update - 20th October 2024 : Sun Beetle is currently in nursery pool number 3 with another rescued seal pup named Klaus, they are doing very well and learning how to compete for fish which are all vital skills they will need when they are released back out into the wild. This photo below was taken on 18th of October 2024 - Sun Beetle (right) and Klaus (left). Click here to see a few more photos of Sun Beetle.
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Update - 19th November 2024 : Sun Beetle is currently in the rehabilitation pool, she needs to put on a few more kilos before she is ready to be returned to the wild.
Sun Beetle has been fitted with specialist GPS tracking equipment. This innovative step will provide valuable insights into the pups´ movements and behaviours as they return to the sea. The study, which is first of its kind in Southwest England, Sun Beetle is part of the 15 Grey seal pups (2024/25 rescue season) being issued with the tags to examine their at-sea behaviour. The Cornish Seal Sanctuary is working alongside Dr Luis Huckstadt, senior lecturer at the University of Exeter as he leads this exciting pilot study.
These photos below were taken on the 18th of November 2024.
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Sun Beetle along with Klaus and JP were released back into the wild on the 3rd of December 2024.
Click here to see a selection of photos.
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