By Douglas Whitbread via SWNS
A sickly seal pup has been rescued after being flown 300 miles – in a private plane.
The cute aquatic mammal, who was named Rocky, was found washed up in an exhausted and emaciated state while suffering from an eye ulcer in Jersey.
Sadly, the nearest seal rehabilitation center on the nearby Channel Isle of Guernsey was closed for refurbishment.
So a team from the South Essex Wildlife Hospital helped to organize a flight to their center in South East England – aboard a prop plane.
Pictures later showed Rocky being greeted by their staff on the tarmac of a local airport on Saturday morning (Oct 26).
A spokesperson from the hospital said he was now ‘safely under their wing’ and they were working hard to assist with his recovery.
They said about Rocky: “Rescued by BDMLR Channel Islands in Jersey (yes, the one in the Channel Islands!), this young male was found in a miserable state.
“Exhausted, emaciated and suffering from an ulcer on one eye, he really needed a little help.
“Unfortunately, the nearest seal rehabilitation center in Guernsey is currently closed for refurbishment, so British Divers Marine Life Rescue asked if we would be able to help.
“With almost 300 miles (and a lot of sea…) between Jersey and Essex, there was only one option… Rocky got his very own private plane!
“Thanks to an amazing group of people (including London Southend Jet Centre, who provide their facilities free of charge), Rocky arrived in Essex on Saturday morning with Tom there to greet him.
“Now safely under our wing at the hospital, our seal team are working hard to give this special visitor the very best care.
“As our first grey seal pup of the season, it won’t be long before he’s not the only one they will be caring for!”
