Seal pups released back into wild

The seals were released to join a colony of 3,000 others

Seal pups rescued in Scarborough have been released back into the North Sea after a spell of recuperation.

The three pups, Yogi, Sherbert and Dolly Mixture, were three weeks old when they were taken in by Scarborough Sea Life Centre and Marine Sanctuary.

Yogi had been trapped in a fishing net while Sherbert and Dolly Mixture were found on the beach, and believed to have been abandoned by their parents.

The trip were released at Donna Nook, near Louth, to join a seal colony.

Aquarist Claire Little said the pups had made good progress during their time at the centre.

Healthy and happy

She said: "Dolly Mixture and Sherbert had a condition known as lung worm, which is a parasite that lives in the lungs and causes breathing difficulties.

"They also had some cuts and bruises."

The pups were given antibiotics and then had to learn how to swim and catch their own fish, before they could be released back into the wild.

Miss Little said: "We got them through the danger period, but there was no point keeping them in captivity, as they are healthy, happy seals.

"We took them to Donna Nook, it was really nice to see them go - they kept looking back as if looking for permission to be allowed a bit further."