Babybel the seal pup goes home after Port Gaverne rescue

In August she was alone on a busy beach. On Thursday she swam back out to sea.

Babybel is the first rehabilitated grey seal pup of the 2026/27 season to be released by the Cornish Seal Sanctuary, and she is back where she belongs.

📷Babybel is loaded up for her journey back to the coast. Credit: Cornish Seal Sanctuary

Rescued from Port Gaverne

The young grey seal was rescued from Port Gaverne in August after she became separated from her mother on a busy beach.

She then spent around three months in intensive care at the sanctuary in Gweek, slowly growing stronger and more confident.

📷Babybel is carried down to the shore. Credit: Cornish Seal Sanctuary

Back to the sea

Babybel went back to the ocean on Thursday (5 November), a clear, sunny autumn day.

Clare Addyman, Animal Care Specialist, said: “From the moment she arrived, Babybel was a joy to care for.”

Clare described her as calm, curious and cooperative during her health checks.

📷Babybel takes a look at the sea before leaving her crate. Credit: Cornish Seal Sanctuary

Found a seal pup on the beach? What to do

The sanctuary says grey seal mothers often leave their pups resting on beaches while they feed at sea, so a pup on its own is not necessarily abandoned. Human disturbance can stress mother and pup, and may stop the mother coming back to feed it.

If you find a seal pup:

• Stay at least 100 metres away where possible
• Keep dogs on a lead and well away from the pup
• Stay quiet and avoid disturbing it
• Never touch, feed or move a seal pup

If you are worried about a seal, call the Cornish Seal Sanctuary Rescue Line on 01637 221361, or the British Divers Marine Life Rescue hotline on 01825 765546.

The sanctuary rescues, rehabilitates and releases grey seal pups from the Cornish coast every year, work it says is only possible thanks to its visitors, members and donors. Babybel was the first of this season’s pups to make it home. More wildlife stories from around Cornwall are on CornishStuff.

📷Babybel heads into the surf. Credit: Cornish Seal Sanctuary

📷Babybel is released back into the sea. Credit: Cornish Seal Sanctuary