A TINY seal pup is lucky to be alive after dodging traffic while crossing a busy main road.
The pup is thought to be only 10 weeks old and was discovered by a member of the public after climbing up a steep 12ft embankment in Kinlochleven, just south of Fort William.
Scottish SPCA ambulance driver Dawna Connolly collected the pup and took him to the nearby Oban Sea Life Centre after the anonymous member of the public reported the stray.
But, the young seal’s ordeal was far from over as he then had to be transferred to the Middlebank Wildlife Centre in Dunfermline, Fife because the Oban centre was too full.
All of this year’s seals in the Scottish SPCA’s care are being named after Scottish Lochs – and officials at Middlebank have named the undernourished seal pup Leven.
He is approximately 15kgs, which is less than half the 40kg body weight that a normal seal of his age should be.
Colin Seddon, Manager at the Middlebank Wildlife Centre, said, “Leven is doing very well and after only three days he is now feeding himself, which is a good sign.
“Although he’s very light for his age, we’re confident that he will make a good recovery. We’ll care for him here until he is fully recovered and ready to be released back into the water.
“This is one of several adventurous seal pups that we have rescued this year. We had one just before Christmas in Methill. It had wandered away from the harbour and was found on a path at a nearby college.
“They are very inquisitive creatures and their curiosity can get the better of them.
“Anyone that does discover a seal pup that has wandered far away from the water should not touch it, but contact the Scottish SPCA’s animal helpline on 03000 999 999.”
