Returning stranded seal pups to water not always the right solution, warns vet

A well-fed grey seal pup resting on land may not need human intervention, but underweight pups should not be returned to the sea, according to a wildlife veterinarian from Helsinki’s Korkeasaari Zoo.

Rescue services in the Finnish coastal city of Kokkola have relocated two seal pups back into the water this week after they were found on land, reports public broadcaster Yle. One was guided away from a busy road on Wednesday, while another was returned from a residential yard on Thursday.

Samuel Hjulfors, duty fire chief for Central Ostrobothnia’s rescue services, noted that such operations occur frequently in spring, though not necessarily every year. Grey seals typically give birth between February and March, with mothers nursing their pups for about three weeks until the pups, now weighing tens of kilograms, are left to fend for themselves.

Veterinarian Heini Nihtilä cautioned that returning pups to the water is not always appropriate. A mother may abandon her pup mid-nursing, leaving it underweight and unable to dive effectively due to insufficient fat reserves. In such cases, the pup requires assistance.

“If the pup is plump, it’s usually fine,” Nihtilä explained. “But if it’s too thin, it won’t survive alone. There’s a whole spectrum in between.” She stressed that seal pups are not like whales—they naturally rest on land and do not always need to be moved.

Rescue teams consult Korkeasaari Zoo’s wildlife hospital for guidance, often sending photos for assessment. The hospital has treated up to nine underweight pups simultaneously, though currently only one is in care.

Nihtilä advised the public to keep their distance and avoid handling seal pups, as their bites can cause severe infections. Hjulfors added that while pups are not highly mobile on land, caution is still necessary.