'It wouldn’t have happened without Zoe': German Shepherd helps save seal pup in Cork 

Zoe, the German Shepherd who saved a seal

A German Shepherd has been dubbed a hero after coming to the rescue of a trapped seal pup in Cork.

The dog, named Zoe was out walking with her owner, Olan near Weaver's Point in Crosshaven when the seal pup was discovered.

Speaking to 96FM’s The Opinion Line with PJ Coogan, Zoe’s owners Olan explained that while walking near the rocks “Zoe at a certain point just stopped.

“She started barking, she started running backwards and forwards.

“I was kind of taking no notice of it and I turned around one point and I shone the torch on her. She was sitting up on top of a rock and she just cried.

“It was at that point I realised that there was something going on here.” 

Olan said he thought someone had fallen over the cliff but what he found was a seal “nestled between a rock and a ditch with rope around its neck and fishing net around its body.” 

He said Zoe led him to the seal and he would never have seen the seal if not for the dog.

Olan said that Zoe's empathy for the seal surprised him.

He said that Zoe is always on high alert and always has her ears cocked but with the seal, “she lied down, she was extremely submissive and her ears went back".

Olan said after Zoe lay down next to the seal he realised she was looking out it.

He felt that he was watching “the fullness of nature” before his eyes.

Olan said he thought the seal was dragged in by the tide and that it could barely move.

He said they ran back to the house and when they got there Zoe remained at the gate, “waiting to move again”.

Zoe, the German Shepherd.

Olan said he got a scissors and brush from the house and managed to get the rope off the seals neck.

He said that he contacted a friend, who got in touch with Seal Rescue Ireland.

“The seal was rescued. It wouldn’t have happened without Zoe.” 

‘Good signs’ 

Seal Rescue Ireland confirmed that they “coordinated one of our trained volunteers who went to the scene and was able to safely remove the entanglement from the seals body. 

Luckily, as soon as the fishing lines were removed, it was observed that the seal was in good condition, had no injuries, and was feisty and energetic which are all good signs.

“It was determined that the best course of action would be to leave the seal pup in its natural environment, so it could go back into the sea on its own time. 

"We then coordinated with a second volunteer to go check first thing the following morning and as expected, the seal pup was nowhere to be found.

We have every reason to believe this seal was able to go back into the sea after a nice rest, and will hopefully stay away from danger. 

"We're grateful for all the coordinated efforts of the many people who contributed to helping this seal, and especially to Olan and his dog Zoe who are the heroes of this story for finding it.” 

The charity added that Ireland is still in the midst of grey seal pupping season.

“We ask that members of the public please keep an eye out for sick, injured or orphaned seals pups along our coastlines who may be in difficulty from severe storms or other environmental dangers. 

"If this seal pup had not been found and rescued from the fishing gear that was entangling its body, it is very likely that it would not have survived,” added a spokesperson.

“Over 100,000 marine mammals die every year from plastic pollution, so we can all do our part by reducing our own plastic consumption and ensuring our waste is discarded properly (especially fishing gear which poses the greatest threat).

Asteroid getting into the festive spirit during his healing bath!🎅🥰

Our jolly pup Asteroid is one of our 5 Christmas pups available for adoption through our website here: https://t.co/I8NnK7mDPv#InThisTogether #StaySafe #seals #marineconservation #ireland #wexford pic.twitter.com/1JPSO1Cm5n

— Seal Rescue Ireland (@seal_rescue) December 13, 2020

“Please remain at least 100 m away from seals resting on the beach and keep dogs on a lead at a safe distance. 

"Unlike Zoe, there are many dogs that aren't so kind to seals, and SRI has had many unfortunate cases where the interactions haven't gone so well.

“If you ever think a seal needs help or you'd like advice, please call Seal Rescue Ireland's 24/7 rescue hotline at 087 195 5393.”

Olan said he wanted to speak about the incident with his dog to highlight that the bad rap German Shepherds get can be unfair.

He said that the dog is brilliant with his six-year-old daughter Saoirse, who has autism.

“Zoe has taught me so much. The most important thing she has taught me is, after a bad day move on.

“It’s over, forget it. Get on your runners and go for a walk.” Olan said he rescued the dog from Animal Rescue Cobh.