A seal that was found on a doorstep has finally been released back into the wild following months of rehabilitation.
Postman Glen Palmer was carrying out his usual duties in Gorleston back in January, when he spotted the unusual package in a resident’s front garden.
Dan Goldsmith, a volunteer from Marine Wildlife Rescue, headed to the scene to retrieve the young pup, who was no more than two weeks old, and she was taken to East Winch Wildlife Care Centre, where staff gave her the affectionate name of Cold Call.
Now, she is at her ideal release weight of 42kg and has been deemed healthy enough to return to sea alongside several other seals who had reached the same milestone.
Centre manager, Evangelos Achilleos, said: “Nothing ever beats that feeling of being able to release an animal back to the wild, where they belong.
“Cold Call has become a celebrity after her story was covered by media across the UK and even overseas, and this was the perfect final chapter to our involvement with her.
Cold Call was found on a doorstep in Gorleston in January. Picture: RSPCA
“Everyone was just stunned she had been found in such an unusual location.
“There have been some really curious places seals have been found over the years – but Cold Call is one of the most bizarre.”
He added that he is grateful to all those who donate, allowing them to carry on doing their vital work, including Postcode Lottery, which helps to fund the RSPCA.
“We are also so grateful to all our colleagues from the various seal rescue groups, such as the Friends of Horsey Seals, British Divers Marine Life Rescue, Marine and Wildlife Rescue and our officers, who are out there checking on the seals that have been reported as needing help,” Mr Achilleos said.
Months of rehabilitation have allowed Cold Call to be released. Picture: RSPCA
“It’s a great reminder of what we can achieve together for animal welfare.
“We are all just delighted that Cold Call is now back in the wild, along with her friends, and hopefully, as she is tagged, we will be able to get updates on her in the future.”
Postman Glen said: “I am so happy to hear Cold Call has been released. I was gutted not to be there – but I have a feeling of pride in being part of her journey after finding her on the doorstep back in January.
Cold Call has now been released. Picture: RSPCA
“The real heroes are the staff at East Winch, as their hard work and expertise are second to none.
“The whole story and media attention have been so much fun to be involved in and given the RSPCA and, of course, our country’s wonderful wildlife some national and even international attention.
“It’s so important we care for our wildlife – we are lucky to live in a country so rich in it.”
Cold Call was no more than two months old when she was rescued. Picture: RSPCA
Dan Goldsmith said he would “never forget” the day he helped to rescue Cold Call.
“It was wonderful to be there to watch her be released back to sea with the other seals,” he said.
“Rescue work is incredibly hard – but it’s moments like these that are so rewarding. We all wish Cold Call the very best in her life in the wild.”