A seal pup has been abandoned by its mother after fireworks were set off at a Scottish nature reserve on Bonfire Night, as reported by a local nature group. The British Diving Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) charity received a distress call about the stranded seal left alone on a rock far from the sea on November 6. The pup had to be taken to the rescue centre at New Arc near Ellon in Aberdeenshire to prevent it from perishing due to a lack of food and cold temperatures.
Heartbreaking images reveal the young grey pup confined in a cage upon its arrival at the centre, having been left to fend for itself on the barren rocks. The charity suspects that fireworks debris found nearby led to the pup’s family abandoning it, as it had been born that same day. The local group, Ythan Seal Watch, shared an update stating that the pup was in an unusual location near the river bank and had been unsuccessful in being fed by other seals in the river.
Due to the incoming tide and the pup’s inability to swim for extended periods in its white coat, the decision was made to rescue it. BDMLR medics, assisted by staff from Forvie National Nature Reserve, safely transported the pup to New Arc where it is now receiving necessary care under a heat lamp. Despite the challenging circumstances, the pup now has a fighting chance at survival.
Ythan Seal Watch expressed regret for missing the fireworks incident on November 5 and found evidence of fireworks near the location where the pup was abandoned. They strongly believe that the fireworks caused the pup to be left behind. The group reassured the public that they would increase patrols in the area to prevent such incidents in the future, emphasizing the inappropriateness of setting off fireworks in a National Nature Reserve.
In summary, the distressing situation involving the abandoned seal pup highlights the detrimental impact of fireworks on wildlife and the importance of protecting vulnerable animals in their natural habitats. It serves as a reminder of the need for responsible behaviour to safeguard wildlife and preserve natural environments for future generations.