Sutton Bridge: Seal pups make a break for freedom after months of rehabilitation at RSPCA Wildlife Hospital

Four grey seal pups have been released back into the wild at Sutton Bridge after being cared for by RSPCA staff in West Norfolk.

Teacups, Tunnel of Love, Rita and Space Mountain were found underweight when they were rescued and taken to the RSPCA East Winch Wildlife Centre.

All four were released from a site in Sutton Bridge to make their way back to The Wash.

East Winch centre manager Alison Charles said: "It was lovely to watch these four head back to the wild, especially Teacups as she couldn’t wait to get back in the water - and it brought a smile to our faces during these very difficult and dark times for the country."

Teacups, who made the speedy exit into the water, was rescued from Horsey Beach in November last year - and she weighed just 9kg, but on her release was a healthy 37.5kg.

Tunnel of Love was rescued in December from Dunwich in Suffolk and she weighed 11.3kg - her weight on release was 36kg.

Rita was also rescued in December from Lowestoft. When rescued she weighed 13.2kg, had wounds on her neck and flipper and was very dehydrated. On her release she weighed 42.5kg.

And finally Space Mountain was rescued in February from Hemsby with injuries to his hind flippers and tail - his release weight was 40kg.

Alison added: "Wildlife centre staff, animal carers and vets at the RSPCA have been designated key workers by the Government, and although RSPCA animal and wildlife centres have closed to the public, during lockdown the RSPCA is still continuing to provide care for animals across England and Wales and these four seals are among thousands of animals being looked after by the charity.

"We’ve had to make lots of changes to the way we work during this time - however once a wild animal has recovered in our care they still need to be released."

RSPCA East Winch is currently caring for over 100 animals - and is expecting even more to come into its care in the coming weeks as its rescue teams bring in more animals in need. Alongside this, the charity is also facing a huge financial strain as it is already seeing the damaging effect of the Coronavirus crisis on its fundraising income, while the costs of saving, treating and caring for animals continue.

The charity has launched an emergency appeal to keep its rescue teams out on the frontline in Norfolk saving animals through the Coronavirus crisis.

To help the RSPCA keep rescuing animals like these and keep our animal hospitals and centres running for emergency treatment and round the clock care through these unprecedented times, please donate whatever you can spare at www.rspca.org.uk/covid