First seen resting on Clonque causeway, this pup still had its white fluffy coat (called ‘lanugo’) but was beginning to moult. The lanugo isn’t fully waterproof, but helps to keep seal pups warm while they’re young and gaining their natural fat to insulate them against the cold waters. Did you know, a female Grey Seals milk is approximately 60% fat, helping the pups gain weight quickly before weaning occurs and the pup has to survive on its own. This usually happens at around three weeks old and at the same time, the pup will begin to moult and lose the lanugo.

The presence of lanugo on the seal at Clonque, indicated the age of the pup to be a few weeks old and not yet old enough to swim long distances. Despite this, it quickly began (quite literally) testing the waters and practicing swimming before returning to Clonque for a rest.

After the first report of the pup to the AWT, the Alderney Animal Welfare Society (AAWS) lead on monitoring the individual with support from BDMLR Channel Islands, the Landmark Trust and the AWT. As of the 31st of October, the seal pup has now gone and we’d like to thank the public for avoiding the area and giving the pup the space it needed to rest!

If you see any injured wildlife, please call the AAWS on 01481 822616.