A lost seal pup tried to nurse on a boat after being separated from its mum.
Passersby spotted the tiny seal swimming towards their vessel, attempting to suckle on the edges and even the engine casing.
The young pup was also crying out loudly, a behaviour experts say is a distress call to locate its mother, as reported by What’s The Jam.
READ MORE: Dog dumped and tied to tree with no food or water still waiting for home after 190 days
- Advertisement -
The family, keeping an eye on the seal, was concerned but reassured themselves that it had found some rest on a nearby rock.
However, when they returned the next day, the pup was still vocal and clearly hungry.
They contacted Marine Mammals of Maine in the US.
The organisation rescued the pup and took him to their shelter for veterinary care.
According to the rescue team, swimming, calling out and suckling are normal behaviours for a healthy pup waiting for its mum.
- Advertisement -
But it was clear this little one hadn’t nursed properly and needed help.
Once in care, the seal made friends with other rescued pups, received specialised formula feeds, and soon became a happy, playful youngster.
Over the next two months, he learned to eat fish, gained weight and strength, and was finally cleared for release.
- Advertisement -
The pup was released on Friday (21 November) and was seen swimming off into the ocean, happily reunited with a new seal friend.
READ MORE: Mum-to-be Spots Her Dog’s Face in Baby Scan
