A SEAL found in the middle of a field this morning is on its way to a wildlife hospital after it was herded into an RSPCA trailer.
Police along with firefighters were called in to delicately manoeuvre the grey seal into the waiting vehicle from Red Bank Farm, Newton-le-Willows.
It's condition is described as "exhausted" and it is being taken to the RSPCA's wildlife centre in Stapely Grange in Nantwich for assessment.
Preparing to take the seal away
Once fully recovered it is hoped to release the seal back into its natural habitat.
Experts believe the seal may have arrived at the site via Sankey Brook.
The rescue operation took four hours in total.
Experts believe the seal may have arrived at the site via Sankey Brook.
It was spotted by a dog walker this morning, who alerted police.
Earlier today, owner of the farm Angela Watkinson said she got a call from the police asking if they kept any exotic pets.
She added: "I laughed and said Pygmy goats, sheep and cattle was exotic as it got.
"But then I got a shock when I came out to find an actual seal in the garden!
"You can see where he has come up from the brook but we have got no idea which direction he has come from."
A Merseyside Police spokesman said: "Police in St Helens were called at around 9.45 this morning (Monday, 22 December) by a dog walker, reporting that she’d seen what appeared to be a seal in the middle of a field in the St Helens area.
"Police have contained the seal and representatives from the British Diver Marine Life Rescue Service are making their way to the scene.
"Seals are powerful animals and potentially dangerous. Police are advising the public to stay away from the area."
Fire crews and police waited for a 'seal specialist' to decide what to do next with the animal.
Watching passers by were warned not to approach the animal as they can be aggressive.
A police spokesman said earlier: "Police have contained the seal and representatives from the British Diver Marine Life Rescue Service are making their way to the scene.
"Seals are powerful animals and potentially dangerous. Police are advising the public to stay away from the area."
.@RSPCA_official currently checking on seal's health. Waiting on crate and trailer to take him back to sea pic.twitter.com/13Q5IWkYrb
— Hannah Bargery (@hannahbargery) December 22, 2014
Updates to follow.
-
Police prepare to make their move and move the seal to safety#
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel