Seal Flown by Private Jet Recovers Weight Rapidly

A seal, notable as the first of its kind transported by private jet to a wildlife hospital in Essex, has gained over half its initial body weight within a mere 10-day period. 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 transported to the South Essex Wildlife Hospital in Orsett, as the sole seal facility available on the Channel Islands was undergoing refurbishment and was therefore closed. Lawrie Brailey, the hospital’s operations manager, stated, “When he first arrived we had to force feed him, but now he’s eating fish whole, which is a very good sign.” Volunteers from the British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) charity located the grey seal. This organization also coordinated his direct flight to Southend prior to his transfer to the animal hospital. Mr. Brailey further commented, “When he was found he weighed just 13kg (2st),” adding, “He’s now up to more than 20kg (3st 2lb) and at the moment he’s putting on more than 1kg a day (2.2lb).” Grey seals inhabit areas along the British coast. Unlike common seals, whose mothers gradually wean their offspring, grey seals are typically left to fend for themselves around four weeks of age, which was Rocky’s estimated age upon discovery. According to Mr. Brailey, Rocky must reach a weight of 35 kg (5st 7lb) before the hospital will contemplate his release. Additionally, he is currently receiving treatment for an ulcer in his eye. “The transformation over ten days has been extraordinary. He was really quite sad when he arrived. Now he is a very cheeky boy,” he concluded.