A BABY seal pup has been rescued after being found abandoned and emaciated on Walney Island.

On Friday afternoon, members of the British Divers Marine Life Rescue were alerted by a member of the public who spotted the seal when they were walking in Walney.

Medics from Walney and Barrow were dispatched to the distressed animal to assess its condition. When they arrived, the grey seal pup, estimated at being a month old, was visibly emaciated and and in respiratory distress.

Sarah Neill, Cumbria coordinator for the BDMLR, said: "This one (the seal) was really really emaciated. It was really weezy. The two medics checked the seal on the island.

"They then drove it to Cockermouth vets where we have a medic there."

When it arrived at Cockermouth, the seal was checked over by a vet, who was also a member of the BDMLR. It was given fluids and antibiotics, and spent the night at the practice to recuperate.

The BDMLR are a group of highly trained medics who respond to calls of injured marine mammals across the UK.

Miss Neill said: "It's a charity organisation that is the only one of its kind in the UK. We train people up as marine mammal medics. They are trained to give treatment to seals, whales and dolphins that become stranded and need to be rescued."

On Saturday the seal pup had been stabilised and was taken by relay from Cockermouth to the RSPCA Stapeley Grange Wildlife Centre, south of Crewe in Cheshire.

Miss Neill said: "It's gone to Stapeley now and it will get fed and treatment. Once it's fit and healthy it will be released back in the North West."

Members of the public have been asked to contact the BDMLR if they see a stranded mammal.

During working hours people should call 01825 765546, and on weekends and bank holidays call 07787 433412.

Visit the BDMLR website here for more information.

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