PREVIEW

BY MARK WORGAN

A seal pup discovered on a Norfolk doorstep by a postman has been released back into the wild after months of rehabilitation by the RSPCA.

The young grey seal, nicknamed “Cold Call” by rescuers, was found in Gorleston-on-Sea in January while postman Glen Palmer was carrying out his morning deliveries.

The pup, believed to have been just one or two weeks old at the time, weighed only 11.8kg (26lb) when she was rescued.

She was collected by Marine and Wildlife Rescue volunteer Dan Goldsmith and taken to the RSPCA East Winch Wildlife Centre for treatment and rehabilitation.

After five months in care, Cold Call reached a healthy weight of 42kg (93lb) and was judged fit enough to return to the sea.

Last week, she was released alongside seven other rehabilitated seals at a beach in north Norfolk, where the animals quickly made their way into the water.

Postman Glen Palmer was delighted to hear the seal had returned safely to the wild.

“I am so happy to hear Cold Call has been released, I was gutted not to be there but I have a feeling of pride of being part of her journey after finding her on the doorstep back in January,” he said.

“The real heroes are the staff at East Winch as their hard work and expertise is second to none.
Evangelos Achilleos, manager of the wildlife centre, added: “Nothing ever beats that feeling of being able to release an animal back to the wild - where they belong.

“Everyone was just stunned she had been found in such an unusual location. There have been some really curious places seals have been found over the years - but Cold Call is one of the most bizarre!”

He said caring for seals at the centre required significant time and effort.

“Seals require a huge amount of care while at the centre and one of the biggest challenges is getting them to eat for themselves unaided,” he said.

“The road to recovery is always long and Cold Call has been with us five months.”

The RSPCA described the rescue as an example of different organisations working together to protect wildlife.

Achilleos praised the role played by rescue groups, volunteers and members of the public who support the charity through donations.

“We are always grateful to the public who donate to us - because without their support we would not be able to do the work we do,” he said.
“And that includes players of the Postcode Lottery - because the vital proceeds provided to us from them helps fund our dedicated work for wildlife.

“We are also so grateful to all our colleagues from the various seal rescue groups, such as the Friends of Horsey Seals, BDMLR, Marine and Wildlife Rescue and our officers, who are out there checking on the seals that have been reported as needing help. It’s a great reminder of what we can achieve together for animal welfare.”

Achilleos said staff were hopeful Cold Call could be monitored in future because she had been tagged before release.

Dan Goldsmith, from Marine and Wildlife Rescue, said the rescue was unlike anything he had previously encountered.

“I will certainly never forget the day we were alerted that a pup had been found in a front garden of a house by a postman delivering to an address,” he revealed.

“It was wonderful to be there to watch her be released back to sea with the other seals.
“Rescue work is incredibly hard - but it’s moments like these that are so rewarding. We all wish Cold Call the very best in her life in the wild.”

The RSPCA has urged people not to attempt to rescue seals themselves if they encounter one alone on a beach, as mother seals often leave pups while feeding at sea.

Instead, members of the public are advised to contact local wardens or rescue organisations for advice.