A Tale of Two Seal Pups

Today we take advantage of a break in the rainfall to visit Angel Bay where finally there have been some new arrivals. The light is truly dreadful - so different from the bright sunshine of our last visit - but it’s wonderful to  see the little ones. We watch a four day old pup suckling from his mum - pursuing her down the beach as she makes her way to the sea, stopping at intervals to feed her demanding offspring. She is patient and tender, turning to him and gently nuzzling in reassurance - though eventually she leaves him at the water’s edge while she swims and, presumably, feeds. 


Further up the beach, sheltering under the cliffs, is another pup in altogether different circumstances. According to the volunteer wardens, he’s two days old but has been rejected by his mother.  This morning he has made his way along the beach, plaintively crying, searching for her, while the pup-less cows push him roughly aside. He’s even been washed some distance out to sea, miraculously swimming back and managing to haul his tiny body up the beach to his current shelter. He’s skinny and dejected, dehydrated and very possibly hypothermic. BDMLR - marine rescue service - have been contacted, but because there are other pups on the beach who may be disturbed, intervention is unlikely. A miracle may happen, but sadly I suspect we are watching the inevitable demise of a weak and vulnerable youngster. Nature can be cruel. 

Meanwhile, well-nourished, the other pup amuses himself on the pebbly sand, rolling back and forth, waving his flippers endearingly, pushing himself up to look around. I watch entranced - much as we are mesmerised by the movements of human babies. Soon, mum will return, he’ll feed again, and - at least for now - he’ll thrive. 

My main shows mother and pup together; one extra the antics of the healthy pup, the other one sadly abandoned.