The seal pup at the bay behind Margate Winter Gardens Photo Carole Tyrrell
A seal pup with a cough has been rescued from the beach area behind Margate Winter Gardens today (April 3).
British Divers Marine Life Rescue medics were first called at 9am after the pup was spotted on the rocks close to the Antony Gormley statue.
The pup then moved further along the beach but continually retreated from the water.
Photo Carole Tyrrell
BDMLR medic Sheila Stone said: “It was monitored and as the tide came in it moved away from the water. It then moved along the wall until it got to the bay behind the Winter Gardens.
“The tide came in and the seal moved further up to the beach. Medics continued to monitor. Once the tide turned, and BDMLR head office had studied photos and videos, and it was safe to go on the beach, the decision was made to lift it for further assessment.
“It’s female grey seal, one of this year’s pups, up to four months old as the grey pup season is usually December to March.
“Medics noted that it was coughing and this could be due to a respiratory problem such as lung worm.
“It weighed just over 20kgs but would be expected to weigh 30kgs plus. Medics were stood down at 4.30 pm.”
Photo Carole Tyrrell
The pup has been taken to an overnight facility for further assessment.
