We didn’t expect another seal pup so soon.

It was barely a month since we released Kitty.

She was the last of the winter pups.

It was a relief not to have seal pools to clean daily, when we are busy rearing orphan birds.

Seal pups also cost a lot to feed.

We were surprised to get a call last weekend asking if we could take a seal pup from Bamburgh in Northumberland.

Of course we agreed to take the pup.

We never turn away any wildlife that needs help.

The pup was only days old, and we have no idea why it was found alone, apparently hungry, calling for mum.

Before being taken from the beach, the pup was observed for 24 hours by a volunteer from British Divers Marine Life Rescue.

This was to be certain that mum wasn’t coming back.

The pup had a head injury, with swelling and soft tissue wounds.

Perhaps he’d been washed against rocks or attacked by gulls or other predators.

Common seals pups are born in summer.

They are not as likely to get into trouble as grey seal pups that are born in the winter.

Grey seal pups are often battered by storms.

This new pup would still be on milk in the wild, but getting milk with a high enough fat content is difficult.

With a little encouragement he is eating sardines stuffed with a fish eater supplement.

This diet seems to suit him.