Watch Hubble The Seal Rediscover The Sea After Rehab In Sussex

Thursday, 13 May 2021 12:49

By John Warburton @Warblefly

Hubble the seal (Photo: © RSPCA Mallydams)

A young seal, rescued by the RSPCA from Camber Sands in April when she was discovered unwell, has been released back into the wild after veterinary treatment in Hastings.

The one year-old common seal (Phoca vitulina) — nicknamed Hubble — had spent a month being expertly treated and cared for by the vets and wildlife rehabilitation experts at the Mallydams Wood Wildlife Centre.

She was released at Pett Level beach near Hastings in East Sussex on Wednesday, 12 May.

RSPCA Wildlife Rehabilitation Team Manager at Mallydams, Richard Thompson said:

“Hubble was a very sick seal with lungworm when she was admitted last month, after Camber Sands beach patrol reported her plight to the RSPCA.

"I’m very proud of our Mallydams team, who have cared for her with such expertise and got her to the point where she is well enough to be released back to the wild.

“2,510 mammals and birds, ranging from fox cubs and hedgehogs, to owls and gulls, were admitted to the centre last year, including 47 seals.

"Our priority at RSPCA Mallydams is - where possible - for wildlife to be returned to the wild, where they belong.”

Watch below, to see Hubble return to her home in the sea.

The RSPCA said that not all seals seen along the coastline are in need of rescue as it’s normal for them to come out of the water to rest.

The charity urged the public to keep themselves and their dogs well away for their own safety as well as the seal’s.

The RSPCA advised that, if there are concerns for a seal but no obvious signs of injury, it should be observed from a distance for 24 hours.

If it hasn’t moved on after a day, or if there are obvious signs of injury, then the RSPCA's emergency line should be called (0300 1234 999) to report the incident.

Mallydams Wood is a well established wildlife rehabilitation centre, education centre and woodland nature reserve near Hastings, and its work covers animals needing treatment which are found in Kent, Sussex and Hampshire.