Five young seals have been released back into the wild after being treated at the RSPCA’s Stapeley Grange Wildlife Centre in Nantwich.
The grey seals, brought into the wildlife centre on London Road by the British Divers Marine Life Rescue, had been orphaned, severely underweight with respiratory problems or injuries.
Seals admitted to Stapeley Grange are given names based around a theme.
This year staff chose characters from The Muppets – a hugely popular TV show from the 1970s.
Female grey seal Yolanda and males Floyd Pepper, Bert, Fozzie and Ernie were all admitted in March or April.
By early June, following intensive rehabilitation, they had all put on weight and their condition had improved enough to be released back into the wild on England’s east coast this week.
RSPCA Stapeley Grange Wildlife Centre manager Lee Stewart said: “After months of care and rehabilitation, our final group of grey seal pups for the season has been successfully released back to the East coast.
“Thanks to our wonderful, dedicated team here at RSPCA Stapeley Grange who tube-fed them by hand in the early days and worked hard to get them fit, we’ve been able to return Bert, Ernie, Yolanda, Fozzie, and Floyd Pepper to the sea where they belong.
“We would also like to thank the BDMLR teams for rescuing those seals earlier in the year.
“Raising and rehabilitating seals is no easy task – it takes time, effort, and significant resources but every moment and every pound spent is worth it.”
Stapeley is one of a handful of wildlife rescue centres in the UK capable of undertaking rehabilitation.
Once tagged and released into the wild, Stapeley Grange staff monitor the pups who have been rehabilitated and staff enjoy hearing of sightings of the animals they have helped.
A growing seal population has left many rescue centres more stretched than ever as higher numbers of underweight, sick or injured pups require help.
But members of the public should be cautious before approaching seal pups that may appear to be abandoned, when they are not.
A seal pup on a beach by itself is not always a concern, as mothers leave their pups alone very early in their lives.
If the pup seems fit and healthy and does not look distressed, it is a good idea to monitor it for 24 hours, as pups are sometimes taken to rescue centres by mistake.
There is more advice on the RSPCA website about what to do if you see a lone seal pup.
Well done to all involved, nice to see the outcome of your efforts