Tufty makes a splash on his release

TUFTY’s nose flared with excitement as he got his first taste of freedom yesterday.

Only three months ago Tufty, a grey seal, was looking the worse for wear when he was found washed up on the shore at Howth, Co Dublin, by local man John Cooke.

Yesterday, the animal was sleek and well-covered as he slid into the sea off East Pier in Howth harbour.

The Irish Seal Sanctuary at Garristown, Co Dublin, takes in as many distressed and starving seals as their funds and voluntary help will allow.

The sanctuary releases around 40 seals back into the wild every year.

Paul Meleady, 14, from Ashbourne, Co Meath, a member of the Irish Seal Sanctuary Junior Group, was involved with Tufty’s recuperation.

“He looked pretty patchy when he was brought in to the sanctuary but he looks really great now,” he said.