RSPCA thanks mum and daughter who helped rescue seal pup at Whitburn

The RSPCA have thanked a caring youngster who watched over a seal pup at Whitburn until it was rescued.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Tia, a pupil at Fulwell Junior School in Sunderland, was out with her mum Katy Alderson, 43, to do some litter-picking at the beach on on Saturday, January 22 when she spotted the animal and noticed the seal pup looked poorly.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Seals are Tia’s favourite animal, and she rushed to the pup’s aid, while mum Katy rang both the RSPCA and British Divers Marine Life Rescue.

The pup was moved to a quieter location./Photo: RSPCAThe pup was moved to a quieter location./Photo: RSPCA
The pup was moved to a quieter location./Photo: RSPCA

RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer (ARO) Heather Wade, who attended, said: “I was really grateful to the mum and daughter who called us about this seal.

"They had clearly done their research on the signs to look out for in a poorly seal before calling us. They even stayed with the seal until we arrived. It was a busy beach with lots of dog walkers but Tia and her mum made sure people kept their distance from the seal which was fantastic.

“We know that seals in the wild are an incredible sight to see, but people must remember that these are wild animals. We share our beaches with seals and have to learn to respect nature and enjoy from a distance, and never interfere or get too close to them.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The RSPCA have said that that the seal was “a little underweight” and the BDMLR (British Divers Marine Life Rescue), who also attended moved the seal to a quieter location.

Tia watched over the seal until the RSPCA and BDMLR arrived.Tia watched over the seal until the RSPCA and BDMLR arrived.
Tia watched over the seal until the RSPCA and BDMLR arrived.

Heather added: “We rely on the public to be our eyes and ears when it comes to animals in need and we are always grateful to people who call us. Thankfully, on this occasion the seal was just a little underweight and so could be released in a quieter location.”

If you have observed the seal for at least 24 hours and are concerned about it please contact the RSPCA for advice on 0300 1234 999.

Read More
RNLI North East issue warning about cold water winter swimming after recalling S...

Support our journalism and subscribe to this website to enjoy unlimited access to news, sport, retro, daily puzzles and more online.

With a digital subscription, you can read more than five articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters.

Click ‘Subscribe’ in the menu to find out more and sign up.