Isle of Man seal pups returned to the wild

Manx seals released into the wild

Three grey seal pups rescued after stormy weather on the Isle of Man have been released back into the wild.

Coley, Pollock and Haddock were found washed up and abandoned in winter 2009 and have since been nursed back to full health by the MSPCA.

Welfare Officer Jenny Corran said: "The rehabilitation has been a huge success and they're ready to go."

The pups were transported from Ard Jerkyll to Pooil Vaaish and released back into Manx waters.

The seals were released into the water on the morning of Wednesday 28 April 2010.

Years of adventure

Jenny Corran tells BBC Isle of Man about the seals rehabilitation

Jenny continued: "They've got enough weight on them now to cope in the wild and to fish and fend for themselves.

"I hope they have another thirty years of adventure ahead of them."

Seal pups stay on the beach when they are being fed and can easily get separated from the mothers.

The MSPCA has cared for 34 seals since 2001 but caring for seal pups costs thousands of pounds.

Rarest

To fill the funding gap wildlife enthusiasts have been given the chance to adopt a seal to help the charity with the cost of food and medicine.

Although they are a familiar sight around the Manx coastline, they are one of the rarest seals in the world.

The charity warns that although the babies look vulnerable they should not be approached.

Follow their release in photos