The GSPCA is now officially seal pup free, after nurturing the last three in their care and releasing them back into the sea.

The GSPCA chose Sunday, 28 July, to release the pups into the sea off the west coast.

Doyle and Dolly are so named because they were found on the beach near Fort Doyle, Valentine because she was found on 14 February.

Shelter manager Steve Byrne says each has either doubled, or tripled its weight while under their care and it was time for them to be back in the sea:

“All three were quick to take to the water.

“After the busiest year we have ever seen with seals we now have all of the 23/24 season back where they belong.”

“It is unlikely that we'll see a seal pup now until the new season at the end of the summer, but we have lots of details online on what to do if you do see a seal in trouble.”

The GSPCA cared for nine seal pups over the winter, which is a record.

In total, since 2012, 41 pups have been rescued, fed, nursed and released.

Work on selecting a builder for the Shelter's new animal hospital is underway, meaning this coming winter there may not be the room to nurse the pups. Steve Byrne says they'll probably end up being taken to the UK for care, after being stabilised by staff at the GSPCA.