Social media mourns premature baby seal’s death
Ten days ago a emaciated seal pup was found on the Connemara coast by a family out walking.
He was brought to a nearby vet before being transported to Seal Rescue Ireland in Wexford. He was premature, weighing 3kg less than an average newborn seal pup. He was also suffering from dehydration and a chest infection.
Seal Rescue Ireland cared for the seal and named him Sea Noodle. Sea Noodle quickly gained a strong fan base on Facebook as the public were eager to watch the little pup grow strong and thrive through the page's regular 'pupdates'.
Sadly it was not to be.
Yesterday Seal Rescue Ireland announced to over 7,000 Facebook fans that Sea Noodle has passed away following a long, brave battle.
"Several days ago we made the discovery that his liver was struggling. Sometimes animals can come back from this - but it was not meant to be for our little man.
"Being so weak already, and having no fat on his little body to help him recover, his organs simply began to shut down. He had made some great steps and kept giving us all hope that he would pull through when he was bright and alert, but today he very suddenly turned from awake and seemingly well, to ebbing away...
"Though we had hoped his liver would improve, it was not to be. His liver failed."
The sanctuary acknowledged the constant support and good wishes from Sea Noodle's fans.
"So many people were cheering him on and hoping for a happy ending but sadly that is not always the case in wildlife rescue work. These are the days that are really tough."
Sea Noodle's fans expressed their grief for the loss and their respect for the sanctuary's work in the comments.
"Poor little guy. At least he knew he was loved and cared for, and didn't die alone."
"You tried, Sea Noodle was loved and cared for. It's good to know you're there for the next casualty."
RIP Sea Noodle. You won't be forgotten.
The sad passing of Sea Noodle highlights the fact that many injured or sick seals are found around Ireland's coast - Seal Rescue Ireland deal with around 60 seals every year. Here are some points to keep in mind if you come across one:
The seal is out of the water for a reason. Grey seal pups have a white fur coat which can become waterlogged and therefore they normally stay ashore for the first 3 weeks until they moult.
If the pup is orphaned, sick, or injured putting it back in the water may inadvertently kill it.
Seal pups are often unafraid of people and will not attempt to move into the water if approached. The seal's mother, however, will not return to retrieve or feed her pup if humans are present. Human disturbance can result in the mother abandoning her pup.
Keep your distance and keep dogs and children away from it.
Seals are wild animals and will bite. The mother may also reject the pup if it is handled as its scent will be different once handled.
Un-weaned pups have sensitive stomachs and should only be on mother’s milk. Attempting to feed them anything else will likely result in being bitten and a very sick pup!
The seal may be abandoned, malnourished or sick.
Courtown Seal Rescue Centre: 053 942 4980
24/7 Emergency: 087 1955 393
http://www.sealrescueireland.org/
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
