First seal pup birth captured on Isle of May

Newborn seal pup Toby captured on the Scottish Seabird Centre cameras. Picture: Scottish Seabird Centre

The award-winning visitor attraction’s interactive live cameras captured the pup’s first appearance earlier today. The pup, which has been named Toby, is believed to have been born sometime yesterday.

A large number of female seals, known as cows, on the beach look close to giving birth, the centre said.

Andy Dickson, manager of the Discovery Centre, said: “There aren’t many places in the world that you can see seals giving birth live on camera – it is our own version of One Born Every Minute and the reality of nature before our very eyes.

“Given the number of expectant mothers we can see on the beach at the moment, there will undoubtedly be a spate of seal pups arriving over the next few weeks. It really is amazing when you see them being born.”

Meanwhile, the Centre issued a warning to the public to keep their distance from seals and pups that are seen on Scotland’s beaches.

Tom Brock OBE, chief executive of the Scottish Seabird Centre, adds: “This is a great time of year to spot wildlife around our coasts. Scotland is internationally important for its grey seals – around 36 per cent of the world’s grey seals breed in the UK, of which 90 per cent are colonies in Scotland. However, seals carry bacteria which are extremely dangerous to humans and other animals.

“The Seabird Centre recommends that people do not get too close to seals and to keep dogs strictly under control. This is important for their own safety and to ensure that the pups are not disturbed or harmed.

“If members of the public see seals in distress, whether pups or adults, they are advised to phone the Seabird Centre on 01620 890202 or the Scottish SPCA on 03000 999 999.”