Seal Rescued by Private Jet Returns to Wild

The seal, recognized as the first to be transported to a wildlife hospital by private jet, has been released back into the wild. Named Rocky, the seal required rescue by divers in October after being discovered in an exhausted and unwell state at a harbour in Jersey. The young seal was then transported by air to the South Essex Wildlife Hospital in Orsett, where it underwent a recovery period of nearly two months, gaining weight in the process. According to the hospital, while grey seals typically exhibit “quite the attitude,” Rocky was described as “lovely.” At the time of his discovery, Rocky weighed two stone (13kg), equivalent to a newborn pup, significantly less than the expected weight range of 3st 2lb to 3st 13lb (19.9kg and 24.9kg) for a four-week-old grey seal pup. During his stay at the South Essex Wildlife Hospital, his regimen involved consuming food, rehydrating, and reacquiring the ability to hold his breath underwater. The decision was made to release him off the Essex coast, in proximity to other grey seals, thus eliminating the need for a private jet for his return to the wild. On Sunday, a van transported him from the hospital to Walton-on-the-Naze. Initially, Rocky seemed reluctant to depart, but subsequently swam away until he was no longer visible. Tom Linsel, the chief veterinarian at the hospital, commented that it was “very nice to see him to go.” Linsel added, “At first he was hesitating. But now I think he understands where his place is.” Sue Schwar, the founder of the hospital, noted that while many seals under their care tend to be grumpy, Rocky had proven to be “a very nice character.” Updates on Essex news are available on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram, and X. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content found on external websites. Information regarding their approach to external linking is available.