'Victoria' refreshes the parts that other beers cannot reach!

British Diver's Marine Life Rescue got a call from the National Seal Sanctuary on Thursday early evening about a seal pup on the beach at Trevaunance Cove in St Agnes. Beach Lifeguards had seen a small moulted pup haul out towards high tide on the beach and were concerned enough about its well being to ring the Seal Sanctuary. Dave Jarvis, local co-coordinator and seal group member, mobilised BDMLR medics to the scene - all Seal Group members! The Jarvis' arrived first and Sue shortly afterwards, just as Dan was about the jump the seal, to carry out a preliminary assessment of the pup's condition. It was obvious straight away that this pup would need rescuing. It's moulted state suggested the pup to be between 3 to 4 weeks but it's size and weight were well below what you'd expect and more typical of a week old seal pup. Dan found a few superficial puncture wounds with a small amount of blood. Apart from its obvious state of malnourishment, the pup appeared to be in a generally good condition. Dan quickly transferred the pup to the cage for transportation to back to Gweek.

Lifeguards film pup rescue (left) : Dan examines the pup (Middle) : Small and underweight - in need of rescue (Far right.)

The Seal Sanctuary team planned to meet us half way at the Victoria Inn in Four Lanes. Dan monitored the pup's condition during the journey and was very concerned about its low levels of alertness, so was relieved to see the Seal Sanctuary Landie already in the pub carpark as we arrived in Four Lanes. Maz was surprised at just how tiny the pup was, guessing it to be about 10 kilos, and wasted no time inserting a tube to rehydrate the pup. Kath was an excellent hostess, welcoming the Sanctuary and Rescue team to the Victoria Inn - even offering the humans refreshment too, but our concern for the pup necessitated a quick departure.

Maz immoblises the pup (left) : Rehydrating the seal (Middle) : Kath provides refreshment for all - even seals! (Far right.)

The pup was transferred to the Landie with Phil, Dan and Maz, who monitored the seal constantly during the final part of the journey to Gweek, hotly pursued by the cars of the rescuers! Before unloading the seal on arrival, Maz prepared the hospital equipment needed to properly assess the pup's state of health and condition. The pup was weighed in at a staggeringly slight 10.5 kilos and despite this very small size, Maz confirmed the preliminary findings during her clinical assessment. Named Tiny Mite, this tiny seal pup showed considerable 'might' to survive all that nature could throw at it!

Arriving at the Sanctuary hospital (left) : Weighing the pup (Middle) : Camera shy, Tiny Mite rests in her new home (Far right.)

Tiny Mite was successfully fed throughout her first night in the hospital thanks to the huge effort by the amazing and ever willing Animal Care Team, who gave up their social life and sleep to provide round the clock care for their new arrival.

Many thanks to:-

• The Lifeguards at Trevaunance Cove for spotting the seal pup and making swift contact with the Seal Sanctuary.
• The well wishers and onlookers who kept Tiny Mite company before her rescue from the beach.
• Kath for making us so welcome in her car park at the Vicotria Inn in Four Lanes.
• Seal Sanctuary staff and supporters who make this work possible.
• The British Diver's Marine Life Rescue Team for their quick response to the call for help.
• The Animal Care Team at the National Seal Sanctuary for their endless efforts that have given this pup a real chance!