'Underweight and lethargic' seal pup Cranberry rescued by RSPCA from Redcar beach

Dec 24, 2023

There was no sign of the pup’s parents for 24 hours and he needed vet care after being found on Coatham Sands in Redcar

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A seal pup named Cranberry who was found alone and exhausted on a beach is on the road to recovery after being rescued by the RSPCA.

The animal welfare charity was contacted by a concerned member of the public who found the common seal pup on Coatham Sands, Redcar. When RSPCA inspector Clare Wilson arrived, she immediately saw that the pup was underweight and lethargic. With no sign of the pup’s parents for 24 hours, he needed to be taken for veterinary care.

Clare said: “I carefully put the pup into a special bag where I could carry him across the beach back to my van safely. It was hard work carrying him so far but definitely worthwhile.

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“After a check up at a vets - where he was also found to have mild mouth rot, which can be treated - he was transferred to Tynemouth Aquarium, where he will be rehabilitated for three months before being released back into the wild. Thankfully it looks to be a good outlook for him. He has been named Cranberry, which seems like a fitting name as he looks very sweet!”

The RSPCA warns that it’s important that the public never approach seals and keep any dogs well away and on a lead, as these are wild animals and can have a nasty bite.

It’s not unusual for seal pups to be left alone for short periods of time so if you spot a youngster who looks fit and healthy, it is best to monitor them from a safe distance for 24 hours to ensure a parent returns.

It’s very normal for seals to come out onto beaches to rest, and they will go back into the sea when they are ready. It’s very important to keep your distance - do not try and move the animal back into the water yourself.

An unhealthy seal pup looks thin (but not bony) and has a visible neck, like a dog. If the mother doesn’t return within 24 hours or you think the pup is sick or injured, call the RSPCA’s emergency line on 0300 1234 999.