Orphaned seal pup rescued from Aberdeenshire beach

The first orphaned grey seal pup of the season has been rescued by the Scottish SPCA after it was found alone on a beach in Aberdeenshire.

The seal pup has been named Snowy. Picture: Scottish SPCA

Scotland’s animal welfare charity was called out last week after a member of the public came across the young seal on Newburgh Beach.

The seal, which has been named Snowy, is currently being cared for at the charity’s National Wildlife Rescue Centre at Fishcross.

Centre chief Colin Seddon said that the charity was expecting to treat over 100 injured or orphaned seal pups between now and spring next year.

The Scottish SPCA expects to care for around 100 orphaned or injured seal pups between now and April. Picture: Scottish SPCA

He said: “Snowy is our first grey seal pup of the season, which will last until March or April next year

“Snowy is currently being rehydrated and then she will be fed a diet of fish soup.

“Following that, she will be moved onto a diet consisting of whole fish and will be moved into one of our large outdoor pools with other seals until she reaches release weight.

The Scottish SPCA has reminded members of the public to contact the charity’s animal helpline if they come across any distressed seal pups this winter.

Snowy was found on Newburgh Beach in Aberdeenshire. Picture: Scottish SPCA

Seddon added: “Anyone concerned about a seal pup, including any who appear injured, are found on public beaches or are spotted in unusual places such as non-breeding areas, should give us a call before approaching them.

“We are often contacted about seal pups that are healthy but have been abandoned by their mothers because someone has disturbed them.”

Anyone concerned about a seal or any other wild animal should contact the Scottish SPCA Animal Helpline on 03000 999 999.