Rescued Seal Rocky Receives Special Air Transport to Essex Wildlife Hospital

Rocky the Seal, the first animal ever transported by air to a wildlife hospital in Essex, is currently recovering. The seal was found in an exhausted and underweight state in a Jersey harbour. After being rescued by divers, Rocky was transported via private jet to Southend Airport on Saturday, then driven to the South Essex Wildlife Hospital in Orsett. Lawrie Brailey, the hospital’s operations manager, stated, “It’s the first and only time that an animal has been flown to us.” He added, “Apparently it was right next to where Taylor Swift landed recently, so, yes, he was a bit of a VIP.” Due to the closure of the Channel Islands’ sole seal facility for refurbishment, experts from the British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) charity contacted the hospital to request assistance. “It was a bit of a surprise when we got the call, but the BDMLR had arranged everything, so we were able to drive right onto the tarmac and do the transfer right next to the plane,” Mr Brailey recounted. Donna De Gruchy, the BDMLR co-ordinator for the Channel Islands, mentioned their reliance on volunteer pilots. She expressed gratitude, saying, “We are also so grateful to the hospital. The relief when we find somewhere for our pups is huge. We can’t thank them enough.” Rocky’s arrival was at the London Southend Jet Centre, a facility for private aircraft located near London Southend Airport. He was subsequently taken to the charity’s hospital, where head vet Tom Linsel is overseeing his care. “He was really skinny and exhausted,” Mr Linsel observed. “He was just asleep all day, but now he’s perked up a bit. He’s starting to be a bit naughty and I think he’s on the right track.” A four-week-old grey seal pup typically weighs between 3st 2lb and 3st 13lb (20kg and 25kg), but Rocky weighed only two stone (13kg), equivalent to a newborn. This species is native to the British coast. Unlike common seals, whose mothers gradually wean their young, grey seals are generally left to fend for themselves after approximately one month. “It’s quite sudden,” Mr Linsel further explained. “We don’t know what happened here, but if the mum gets disturbed, it can be quite tough for the pup left behind.” Regarding Rocky’s future, a significant recovery period is anticipated. He requires weight gain, which could take up to two months. It has been confirmed that Rocky will not require air transport back to Jersey. Mr Linsel indicated that his release will occur locally.