Pup weathers storm and grows, despite unusually short feeds

There has been some concern about Pup 2005H, as it has shown an unusual feeding regime. Whilst feeding for shorter times than we have seen other pups do, Pup 2005H has continued to grow and look healthy. Mum, Millie, has tried tirelessly to get her pup to feed for longer periods by repeatedly manouvering her body into the perfect feeding position. But the pup has ignored her encouragement. Despite this, the pup is transforming before our eyes into a fluffy round torpedo. It is hard to imagine that this pup can get any fatter, but it will be fed by its Mum - Millie - for just over one more week. The pup will need all these fat reserves. Mortality rates very between 30 and 50% for seal pups in their first year of life. After 17 to 21 days, Mum will mate and leave the area without her pup, who will have to fend for itself by teaching itself to feed.

2 days old (Left) : 4 days old (Mid) : 9 days old (Right.)