Rescuers are hoping the seal pup will be returned to the sea this month
12:29, 04 Jan 2026Updated 15:52, 04 Jan 2026
The seal was named Elvis after being found injured and malnourished on the Porthcawl seafront
Elvis the seal pup was believed to have been less than a week old when she was rescued from a Welsh seafront four months ago. She was injured and severely malnourished.
But thanks to specialised care she is thriving and they hope will soon have the strength to get back in the sea. The RNLI team in Porthcawl worked alongside British Divers Marine Life Rescue to recover the pup from rocks along Porthcawl’s seafront after she had become separated from her mother.
The young seal was found to be significantly underweight and suffering from injuries to its fore flippers and chin.
It was then taken into the care of the RSPCA and transferred to their specialised centre at West Hatch, where the charity’s wildlife rehabilitation team works to help seal pups regain the strength they need before they are fit to be released back into the wild.
The name Elvis was given to the baby seal after the popular Elvis festival, which is held every year in Porthcawl.
Elvis is recovering well
Things are, however, looking good for Elvis, as an update issued by RSPCA Cymru shows she is showing great signs of recovery and can be expected to be released this month.
On arrival, seals are placed in the centre’s intensive care pens before later being moved into a pool once they have gained sufficient weight and begin feeding independently.
Each seal pup rehabilitated at RSPCA West Hatch can remain at the centre for several months. During this time, the charity spends an average of around £1,400 per week per seal on fish and veterinary treatment throughout seal season, which typically runs from September to March.
When Elvis makes a full recovery, she is expected to be released from Devon, which, for a seal, is a short journey from where she was rescued.
Wildlife Supervisor Paul Oaten said Elvis has been doing well in their care.
“She is currently in one of our deeper outside pools with another seal named Dido,” said Paul. “Just before Christmas, Elvis was weighing at 30.5kg – which means she is only 4.5kg away from the target release weight for a female. If she keeps gaining weight well, she could go for release early in the new year.”
Paul added that since being admitted on September 16, she has gained 13.6kg and has completed a course of antibiotics to treat the wounds she sustained to her fore flippers and chin. The wounds after being treated are now healed.
“We decided not to move her into the large seal pool with the other pups, as she was initially tentative about feeding, and we wanted to ensure she wasn’t out-competed for food. She will likely remain in her current pool with Dido until her release,” says Paul.
RSPCA animal rescue officer Ellie West added: “We’d like to thank the RNLI and the British Divers Marine Life Rescue for bringing Elvis to safety. Partnership working is so important.”
The animal welfare charity advises that if members of the public spot a seal on a beach that they should observe them from a distance and not approach them.
Seals are wild animals and have a nasty bite if they feel threatened. It is also advised that people keep dogs on leads on beaches that have seal colonies, too.
“It’s not unusual to see a seal pup by itself, as their mothers will leave the pups alone very early on in life, feeding in the sea then returning to feed them,” said Ellie. “If you find a seal pup that looks fit and healthy and shows no signs of distress, monitor it first from a safe distance for 24 hours.
“However, if the mother doesn’t return after 24 hours or the pup appears distressed, injured or unwell, or is on a busy public beach, our emergency line can be reached on 0300 1234 999. Please always stay at a safe distance and keep dogs well away – seals can have a very nasty bite if threatened.”