Rescued seal pup in Vilvoorde was lost due to 'simple navigation error'

A seal pup rescued in Vilvoorde over the weekend had become disoriented due to a "simple navigation error," explained Jan Haelters, a marine biologist at the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences. The young seal had been increasingly spotted in recent days, first in Antwerp, then Kapelle-op-den-Bos, and finally in Vilvoorde.

Given that the young seal had strayed too far and people were attempting too much close contact, Sea Life Blankenberge and the NorthSealTeam decided to intervene. The pup was suffering from a fever and was slightly emaciated. While seals are occasionally seen in Belgian canals, this particular animal had wandered exceptionally far inland.

Haelters clarified that there's no complex reason for its presence, stating, "It is simply a navigation error." He noted that seals swimming in waterways are typically independent adults usually observed closer to the coast or in the region around Ghent. Seals can sometimes accidentally swim through locks, ending up in canals. Although freshwater is not their natural habitat, they can survive there for several months.

The biologist stressed the importance of maintaining distance from stranded or resting seals and avoiding disturbance. He advised contacting experts like Sea Life. "You must be careful with all wild mammals," Haelters stated, adding that "close contact can lead to the transmission of infections."