German Grey Seal Travels Over 500km to Yorkshire Coast in Remarkable Journey
A rehabilitated grey seal has amazed marine conservationists after making an extraordinary 515km (320-mile) journey from Germany to the East Yorkshire coast.
The four-year-old female, identified by an orange flipper tag, was first rescued in 2021 after being found malnourished. She was taken to the Seehundstation Friedrichskoog rehabilitation centre in Germany, where she received expert care and was fitted with a tracking device before her release.
Her journey came to light in December 2024, when researchers from the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust (YWT) spotted her during a routine seal survey. The charity has since confirmed her identity with the German centre, calling her journey “incredible and extraordinary.”
“She’s a true testament to the species’ resilience and adaptability,” YWT said.
Born between December 2020 and January 2021 on Heligoland, a small German island in the North Sea, the seal weighed just 12.9kg (28.4lb) when she was rescued. By the time of her release in May 2021, she had grown to a healthy 52.8kg (116.4lb).
Since her sighting in Yorkshire, the seal has not been seen again, but researchers remain hopeful she’ll resurface.
Grey seals are known to cover vast distances in search of food, sometimes travelling more than 70 miles in a single trip. Still, this cross-border journey stands out as a powerful example of what wildlife can achieve after rehabilitation.
“Every seal sighting and identification contributes to crucial research into population health, movement patterns, and the success of rehab programs,” said YWT. “Whether she remains in UK waters or continues her journey, her story is an inspiring example of nature’s wonders.”
The charity reminds the public to enjoy seals from a distance, remain quiet around them, keep dogs on leads, and report any concerns to British Divers Marine Life Rescue.