An injured seal pup was rescued by a group of kind-hearted tourists after it was found on a Scots beach.
The orphaned animal was discovered on Earlsferry Beach near Leven, in Fife, on Monday, August 8. The pup was suffering from a soft palate injury that had become infected.
Affectionately named Rocky, locals on the beach built a cordon around him to keep him safe and called the SSPCA.
Karlyn Evans, an interior designer from Glasgow, was one of the first on the scene.
She told the Record: "I was at the beach reading my book when a little boy shouted to say 'look there's a seal'. I have visited Earlsferry beach for over 45 years and there has never been a seal on the beach.
"A group of us created a semi circle barrier around him to stop dogs and people from approaching him. We made sure that any dogs were put on leads. About an hour later, a large crow swooped down and spooked him.
"Rocky retreated back into the water, and we lost sight of him. I think we felt a bit bereft."
Ten minutes later, the tiny seal reappeared 15 meters further down the beach and hauled himself back up onto the sand. Karlyn added: "The SSPCA officer came and as a flash she had gathered her 'seal bag' and popped the wee thing in."
Bruce Hodges, from Kirkintilloch, was another on the beach who assisted with the rescue mission.
He added: "It was a real joint effort. It was looking very sorry for itself and clearly out of sorts.
"A great wee story with a happy ending."
Rocky, who is estimated to be around eight weeks old, received treatment for lungworm and had a shell stuck to the roof of his mouth removed.
The SSPCA say he is 'doing very well' and will continue his rehabilitation before eventually being returned to the sea when he is eight-months-old.
Animal rescue officer Eilidh Hoehle, who recovered little Rocky from the beach, said: "We attended after receiving a report of the seal pup on the shore.
"He was so small and thin that he could be lifted with one hand. He also had blood around his mouth from a soft palate injury which had become infected.
"He is now being cared for at our wildlife rescue centre and has been named Rocky. His injuries are healing well and he is already gaining weight."
Eliidh added: "It is normal for seal pups to be left on shore by their mother whilst she feeds. Please do not approach a seal that has come ashore or try to put back in the water. Stay a safe distance away and keep any dogs on a lead.
"If you come across a seal that has visible signs of injury, looks skinny or lethargic or has breathing difficulties, please call our helpline immediately on 03000 999 999.
"Recently, the water treatment system at the centre completely broke down. Without this vital equipment, we can’t supply clean water to our outdoor seal pools meaning many others might not be as lucky as Rocky."
The system will cost over £600,000 to replace. To donate, click here.
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