“She had been desperately seeking a safe place to rest.”
Last month, Seal Rescue Ireland received a worrying call from beachgoers in Kilkee, County Clare. While strolling along the shore, they stumbled upon a lone wild baby seal and immediately sensed something was amiss.
The female gray seal pup, later named Tralee, appeared distressed as she struggled across the sand. It was unclear how long she had been seeking assistance, but her exhaustion was evident.
“Tralee was discovered lethargic, injured, and in poor condition on the steps of Kilkee Beach,” Seal Rescue Ireland reported on Facebook. “She had been desperately trying to find somewhere safe to rest.”
Tralee’s journey led her up a flight of stairs and closer to civilization, a place where she did not belong. Fortunately, concerned individuals in the area took notice.
“Members of the public grew quite alarmed upon seeing her, and she attracted quite a crowd,” Seal Rescue Ireland mentioned. “Thankfully, they promptly dialed our 24/7 rescue hotline.”
Volunteers from Seal Rescue Ireland hurried to the beach upon receiving the call. Before long, they successfully apprehended Tralee and transported her to their veterinary care center.
The medical team warmly welcomed Tralee and conducted a thorough examination. They were disheartened to find wounds on her back flippers and signs of parasites, yet remained optimistic about her recovery.
“Tralee was 4-6 months old when she came into our care and significantly underweight for her age, weighing only 18.4 kilograms,” Seal Rescue Ireland shared. “Once her wounds were treated, we initiated pain relief and antibiotics, and she began deworming treatment once she regained some strength.”
It’s been a month since Tralee’s rescue, and she’s thriving. After just a few weeks at the rehabilitation center, her personality has flourished, endearing her to her newfound caregivers.
“She has responded positively to treatment, and now that we see her personality shining through, it’s no wonder she attracts attention,” Seal Rescue Ireland concluded.
Tralee will remain under the care of Seal Rescue Ireland, joining other rehabilitated seal pups, for the foreseeable future. While her caregivers eagerly anticipate the day she can return to her natural habitat, they are committed to showering the special girl with all the love and care she deserves in the meantime.
“She certainly possesses star quality and leaves a trail of sparkle wherever she goes,” Seal Rescue Ireland affectionately noted.