Taggie 2008 Jenifer

On 18th January 2008, British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) were called out to a seal pup in Marazion. When Medics Kate, Colin, Lesley and Coordinators Tim and Dave arrived, it was obvious that the young seal had a deep wound going almost all the way around its neck. Injuries of this sort are common in seals that have become entangled in fishing net, which cuts through the skin layer and then into the blubber, as the seal pup grows into its ligature of net. What was unusual about this seal pup, was that the netting was no longer there. As the wound was so deep, the BDMLR Team called out expert seal Vet, James, to clean the wound and administer antibiotics to the animal before taking it to the National Seal Sanctuary at Gweek.

Jenifer's neck wound was deep & wide open at the side (Left) : Jenifer's wound was raw & open all round her neck (Right)

On arrival at the Seal Sanctuary, the seal pup was called Jenifer and she began her rehabilitation. She quickly learned to feed and soon put on weight, enabling her to be moved from the hospital to the Convalescence pool, where she posed for a camera crew and appeared on TV. By the 17th June, Jenifer was strong and heavy enough to be released back into the wild and in the early hours of the morning, she headed out for the open sea.

Questions are often asked about whether rehabilitated seals behave 'normally' - like other wild seals. Jenifer obviously does. Just 4 days later, Jenifer had swum west and joined the nearest wild seal haul out on the north Cornish coast. The confidence gained from mixing with resident adult seals in the Convalescence pool has given Jenifer the experience she needs to survive back in the wild. Jenifer joined 26 other seals on the offshore rock ledges and was not put off by a loud seal who howled as her personal space was invaded by Jenifer. Jenifer hauled straight past this adult female and moved up the rocks, away from the water's edge, to join a group of adult males who were sleeping peacefully.

Jenifer moving around the haul out (Left) : Jenifer looking comfortable amongst other wild seals at the haul out (Right)

Jenifer's rear right yellow tag number 24, is just about visible, but it is the clear line around her neck that makes her unmistakable.

Well done to everyone on the Animal Care Team at Gweek, who have made Jenifer's rehabilitation so successful, enabling her to make the difficult transition back to the wild with ease.

Thanks are also due to the BDMLR Medics, Coordinators and Vet, whose knowledgeable and speedy actions gave Jenifer the best chance of survival!

The top two photos from Jenifer's rescue were taken by Dave, BDMLR Local Coordinator and Charity Trustee.