January 2, 2020 5.00 pm This story is over 58 months old

Seal pup rescued 20 miles from Lincolnshire coast

He had come down the weir and climbed up the bank

This young seal pup was rescued from Tattershall Castle. Photo: RSPCA

A young seal pup was rescued from Tattershall Castle after being spotted by a family walking their dogs on Boxing Day.

It’s thought that the young grey seal, now named Zodiac, had come down the weir and climbed up the bank before trying to get into a small dyke.

The family who spotted the seal called the RSPCA and Zodiac, who was named after a ride at Thorpe Park, was taken to a vet practice overnight. He was transferred to specialist facilities at RSPCA East Winch Wildlife Centre in Norfolk on Friday, December 27.

The RSPCA said the male grey seal, who is around three weeks old, is very underweight but he is doing well in specialist RSPCA care. He will remain in the animal welfare charity’s care for a few months.

RSPCA inspector Kate Burris said: “It was definitely unexpected to be contacted about a seal pup at Tattershall Castle! The people who spotted him and called us couldn’t believe what they were seeing.

“The poor pup was trying to get into a small dyke when they noticed him. We think he had come down the weir and climbed up the bank.

“He came in very underweight at just 14kg which is a long way short of the 40kg he needs to be for him to be returned to the wild.

“The staff who are caring for him though say he’s doing really well. He’s very feisty – which is a good thing! – and has been on fish soup until a couple of days ago when he started on whole fish. He is going to be with us for a few months rather than weeks but they’re hopeful he’s going to be okay.”

Click here for more information on what to do if you see a seal or pup in need of help.