The young grey seal, rescued from the rocks at Porthcawl seafront back in September, has been released into the open waters after a long stint at the RSPCA’s West Hatch Wildlife Centre. And in true showbiz style, she didn’t go alone.
Elvis — who turned out to be a she — was one of six seals returned to the wild on Monday, alongside a line‑up of fellow marine “celebrities” named Sleep Token, Wurzel, Arctic Monkey, Benson Boone and Fleetwood Mac.
Found injured, starving and alone
Elvis was first spotted in trouble on the Porthcawl coastline, injured, malnourished and separated from her mother. She was brought to safety by British Divers Marine Life Rescue with support from the local RNLI crew, before being transferred to the RSPCA for round‑the‑clock care.
At just 13.6kg, she needed antibiotics for wounds on her fore flippers and chin, and weeks of careful feeding to build her strength.
(Image: RSPCA)
From intensive care to deep‑water training
At West Hatch, seal pups start life in intensive care pens before graduating to outdoor pools once they’re strong enough to self‑feed. Elvis spent her final weeks in one of the centre’s deeper pools with another seal named Dido, waiting for storms to pass before she could be released.
RSPCA Wildlife Supervisor Ryan Walker said watching Elvis swim free was “a wonderful moment”.
“Elvis progressed through rehabilitation very well,” he said. “Once she gained enough weight she was fit for release. We’re delighted she is now where she belongs — along with the other seals too.”
(Image: RSPCA)
A pricey rescue season
Seal season runs from September to March, and the RSPCA says each pup can cost around £1,400 a week in fish and veterinary care. Before release, the animals are tagged for identification, and many are later spotted thriving in the wild.
This group was released from the Devon coast — just a short swim from where Elvis was originally found.
Meet the rest of the “band”
The full release line‑up included:
- Benson Boone – rescued from Pembrokeshire, lethargic and underweight
- Sleep Token – rescued from Cornwall with multiple wounds
- Arctic Monkey – one of the first rescues of the season, found in Devon
- Wurzel – rescued from Cornwall, underweight and injured
- Fleetwood Mac – rescued from Devon with wounds and low weight
(Image: RSPCA)
RSPCA photographer Emma Jacobs, who documented their progress, said it was “wonderful” to see the group return to the sea.
“Our precious wildlife desperately needs our help,” she said. “It’s been amazing to follow this group as they gained strength ready for release.”
Public urged to keep distance from seals
The RSPCA is reminding beachgoers to keep their distance from seals — and keep dogs on leads — especially during pupping season.
RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer Ellie West said:
“It’s not unusual to see a seal pup by itself. Mothers leave pups alone while they feed. If the pup looks healthy, monitor it from a safe distance for 24 hours.”
(Image: RSPCA)
Anyone concerned about an injured or distressed seal is urged to call the RSPCA emergency line on 0300 1234 999.
