Mouth rot study offering hope for North East seal pups

For the team in Tynemouth, every release is a sign of progress.

“They come in weak and flat, and a few months later they’re ready to go back out and repopulate,” said Mr Ilderton.

“You get a little tear in your eye, it’s why we do it.”

The centre expects to release another recovering seal, Popeye, in the coming weeks.

Popeye, from Teesside, was treated for severe mouth rot and is now nearing the end of his rehabilitation.

He had one eye removed but is expected to adapt well in the wild, using his whiskers to navigate.

People who find a seal pup in distress are urged to keep dogs on leads, maintain a safe distance, and call the BDMLR on 01825 765546 for advice.