Seal pups released after rehabilitation at Korkeasaari

Two grey seal pups, named Porkkala and Kokkola after their rescue locations, have been released back into the wild after months of rehabilitation at Korkeasaari Wildlife Hospital, reports Yle.

Kokkola was found on shore in April severely underweight at just 8.5 kilograms, lacking the necessary blubber to survive in cold water. Porkkala, a white-furred pup only a few weeks old, was rescued from an ice floe near a shipping lane with two deep wounds and a coat unsuitable for aquatic life.

Both pups initially received fluid therapy, tube-fed fish puree, and wound treatment. Learning to eat whole herring was a critical milestone in their recovery. Kokkola adapted quickly, though its condition fluctuated until it reached a stable 20 kilograms. Porkkala took longer to adjust to solid food.

Once the pups reached nearly 30 kilograms, they were deemed ready for independent life. A rescue vessel transported them in crates from Korkeasaari’s dock to Kallbådan island in the outer archipelago of Kirkkonummi, a protected area for grey seals.

Eve Paananen, the head animal caretaker at the wildlife hospital, noted the contrast in their release: Kokkola seemed at home immediately, while the younger Porkkala lingered near the boat, curiously observing the humans before swimming off.

Korkeasaari Wildlife Hospital is Finland’s only long-term rehabilitation facility for seals.