Two seal pups graduate rehab stage at RSPCA East Winch

The pups, named Earwig and Waxworm, are among 40 seals currently being cared for at RSPCA East Winch. 

The full rehab process can take up to five months and once the seals have signed off on all the stages, they can be released back into the wild. 

Evangelos Achilleos, centre manager, said: “Having completed 'fish school', the pups are self-feeding themselves and they’re now slowly gaining weight.  

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“They’ve moved to a slightly deeper pool and they’re basically starting to learn how to grow and become more wild. 

The pups are among 40 other seals currently undergoing rehab in order to return to the wild (Image: RSPCA East Winch Wildlife Centre)

“They need to gain a few more kilos before they move outside into the deeper pool where they can gain even more weight and learn how to swim in deeper waters.” 

Earlier this week, adult seal Cargol, who was rescued after becoming entangled in fishing netting, was the latest seal to be released back into the wild.  

“The seals end up at the centre for different reasons including dog attacks and being entangled in litter,” Mr Achilleos said. 

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“A lot of the seals are abandoned by their mothers because humans get too close and scare them away.

Hades the seal came to East Winch with injuries caused by a dog throwing ring stuck around his neck (Image: RSPCA East Winch Wildlife Centre)

“Seals get entangled in litter such as fishing netting and flying rings for dogs. Reasons do vary but we are seeing more of a human-made impact on the admissions.” 

People are advised to give seals plenty of space, keep dogs on leads and to not take flying rings to th beach.