Devon Seal Pups Thriving as Rescue Season Sends Them Home
Devon’s coastline has once again witnessed a heartwarming moment as seal pups thrive during the ongoing rescue season. This marks a celebratory event following the wild birth of a grey seal pup in Brixham last autumn.
Successful Grey Seal Releases
In December, three rescued grey seals named Shakira, Iggy Pop, and Elmer were successfully released back into their natural habitat. These seals spent months undergoing rehabilitation at the RSPCA West Hatch Wildlife Centre located in Taunton. Their release was significant enough to place the RSPCA on the top rescues of 2025 list.
Seal Pup Season
The seal pup season runs from September to March, a critical period when many seals are rescued. Frontline teams locate pups that are injured or orphaned and bring them to the center for intensive care. Each seal pup learns to regain strength and feed independently before being released.
- Average stay at RSPCA: Several months
- Weekly care costs: Approximately £1,400 (food and veterinary care)
Wildlife Conservation Efforts
Visitors exploring Torbay’s coast must remember to respect wildlife. It is essential to maintain a safe distance from seals, keep dogs leashed, and report any distressed seals to the RSPCA or British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR). Such actions are vital for ensuring the safety and recovery of these remarkable creatures.
RSPCA West Hatch Wildlife Centre treats thousands of animals from across the South West each year. Although public tours are restricted for animal protection, supervised educational visits can be arranged in advance. Donations play a crucial role in funding care for rescued seals, pets, and other wildlife.
Increased Awareness and Support
The RSPCA has reported a surge in online activity, with over 634,000 users visiting their website in 2025 to report concerns. This includes a notable spike of 7,279 visits during the Christmas week from December 24 to 29. In anticipation of more reports during the winter, the charity has launched an urgent fundraising appeal titled The Big Give Back to Animals.
Superintendent Simon Osborne highlighted the importance of community support in their mission. He emphasized, “Every single day, our teams rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome hundreds of animals, each with their own story of triumph over adversity. This appeal will help ensure suffering animals receive the care they urgently need.”
As the seal pup season continues, the efforts of organizations like the RSPCA remain critical in protecting and nurturing the wildlife of Devon.
