Inside Devon’s seal rescue season as pups return to the wild

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Inside Devon’s seal rescue season as pups return to the wild

Following the extraordinary wild birth of a grey seal pup in Brixham last autumn, the Devon coastline has once again welcomed a heartwarming wildlife milestone.

In December, three rescued grey seals – Shakira, Iggy Pop and Elmer – were released back into the wild after months of rehabilitation at RSPCA West Hatch Wildlife Centre in Taunton. This rescue has made the RSPCA top rescues of 2025 list.

These seals are the first of many expected to be returned to the sea during the ongoing ‘seal pup season’, which runs from September to March. Rescued by frontline teams after being found injured or orphaned, each pup spends time in intensive care before moving into pools to regain strength and learn to feed themselves. Each seal pup may remain at the centre for several months, with costs averaging around £1,400 per week on food and veterinary care.

For those exploring Torbay’s coast, the story is also a reminder to give these animals space: maintain distance, keep dogs leashed, and report any distressed seals to the RSPCA or BDMLR. Respecting wildlife ensures these remarkable creatures can continue to flourish along our shores.

RSPCA West Hatch Wildlife Centre treats thousands of animals each year from across the South West. While public tours are not permitted to protect the animals, supervised visits for educational purposes can be booked in advance. Donations help fund care for rescued seals, domestic pets, and other wildlife, supporting efforts to give every animal a second chance.

It comes as the charity reveals more than 634,000 users visited the RSPCA website in 2025 to report a concern, with 7,279 visits in the Christmas period from December 24 to 29.

Braced for a further surge in reports over the winter months, the RSPCA has launched an urgent appeal, The Big Give Back to Animals, to raise vital funds for its frontline officers.

Superintendent Simon Osborne said: “Every single day, our teams rescue, rehabilitate and rehome hundreds of animals, each with their own story of triumph over adversity. We rely on the support of fellow animal lovers to continue this vital work, and this appeal will help ensure suffering animals can receive the care and protection they need.”

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