A remarkable wildlife encounter unfolded in Cornwall this week as a determined seal pup embarked on an extraordinary land journey to escape the fury of Storm Chandra. The adventurous young marine mammal found itself in the garden of a private home in St Loy, near St Buryan, after navigating a surprising route from the turbulent sea.
An Unlikely Visitor in the Garden
The residents of the coastal property were understandably shocked when they discovered the unexpected guest on Wednesday. The seal pup, estimated to be between five and six months old, had huddled itself near a chicken coop, much to the bewilderment of the resident poultry. This was no ordinary sight for a home situated approximately 100 metres from the beach.
A Perilous Journey to Safety
The pup's arrival was the culmination of a considerable effort. To reach its temporary sanctuary, the animal first escaped the choppy and dangerous seas churned up by Storm Chandra. It then successfully crossed the beach, tackled the coastal path, and demonstrated impressive determination by squeezing under a gate to access the garden. This demonstrated a significant overland trek for a creature more at home in the water.
Expert Rescue and Assessment
Upon discovering their unusual visitor, the concerned homeowners promptly contacted the British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) for assistance. Dan Jarvis, a representative from the organisation, attended the scene. He reported that the seal appeared 'pretty content' with itself despite its unusual circumstances.
After a thorough physical examination, Mr Jarvis confirmed that 'everything was ok' with the pup. He noted there was 'little concern that it was on the thin side' upon initial inspection, indicating the animal was in fair condition following its ordeal.
Why a Garden is No Home for a Seal
While the seal did not require immediate medical care or rehabilitation, experts agreed it could not remain in its newfound garden home. Mr Jarvis explained that proximity to domestic animals meant it 'wouldn't be a good idea' for the pup to stay. Furthermore, there was a genuine concern that, given the size of the field it had entered, the young seal might not successfully find its way back to the beach unaided.
A Safe Return to the Sea
To ensure the pup's safety, medics from BDMLR South West England carefully relocated the animal. Perhaps to the seal's mild annoyance, it was transported from its scenic garden view to a different, safer beach specifically chosen for its release back into the ocean. This strategic move guaranteed a secure return to its natural habitat.
Understanding Seal Behaviour
The BDMLR used the incident to highlight an interesting aspect of seal behaviour. The organisation stated, 'Seals can travel surprisingly far over land, especially youngsters who are still figuring life out.' This adventurous spirit is not uncommon as young pups explore their boundaries and sometimes find themselves in unexpected locations.
Context of Seal Rescues in Cornwall
The rescue comes amidst the ongoing work of marine life charities. The BDMLR Cornwall seal hospital reported an 'incredibly busy' December, having rescued 31 seal pups during that month alone. Interestingly, despite the turbulent weather brought by storms like Chandra, January had been 'relatively kind for us' in terms of rescue call-outs, making this particular garden visitor a notable exception.
This heartening story concludes with the seal pup safely back in its marine environment, having provided the residents of St Loy with a truly unforgettable wildlife encounter and a testament to nature's resilience.
