The Cornish Seal Sanctuary has welcomed its first seal pup of the season, named Maggot. Rescued by British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) from Porthtowan beach during a bustling summer day, Maggot’s name reflects the sanctuary’s new season’s Bugs & Mini Beasts theme.
The rescue was particularly challenging due to the high volume of beachgoers. There was also a possibility that Maggot’s mother might have been nearby, so the rescue team waited 24 hours to check for a potential reunion.
Sanctuary founder Tamara Cooper noted that Maggot arrived weighing as much as a pup just a day old and had an umbilical infection, for which vets prescribed antibiotics. Currently, she is being fed a blended fish soup every four hours to mimic the nourishment she would have received from her mother.
Maggot has a long road to recovery ahead. The sanctuary staff are committed to giving her the best chance for a full recovery and eventual release. Visitors to the sanctuary can see Maggot and learn about the rescue, rehabilitation, and release process.
Both BDMLR and the sanctuary are reminding the public to respect seals’ space during this pupping season. Pups and their mothers are sensitive to disturbances that could cause them to separate, which might lead to starvation for the pup. Beachgoers and coastal users are advised to stay at least 100 meters away from any seals and keep dogs on a lead to avoid disturbing them.