Seal Pup Rescued from Vilvoorde Canal After Weeks-Long Journey

A young seal pup, which had embarked on an unusual and prolonged journey through the Vilvoorde canal deep inland, has been safely rescued after weeks of navigating Belgian waterways. The seal's presence in the canal was already a rare occurrence, but its situation became precarious due to repeated disturbances from the public.

Volunteers from the NorthSealTeam, an organization dedicated to protecting seals along the Belgian coast, had been monitoring the pup since it was first spotted in Kapelle-op-den-Bos three weeks prior. The animal had traveled further inland towards Vilvoorde, a journey that normally poses less risk as seals can survive in freshwater and often find their way back to sea independently. However, this pup's situation was complicated by constant human interference.

“

Some people would just lie down next to it or stroke the animal.

"Some people would just lie down next to it or stroke the animal," said Frank Durinckx of the NorthSealTeam. He noted that people were getting extremely close, with some even lifting the seal to take photos and children attempting to pet it. Durinckx warned of the risks, stating, "Seals can bite hard and carry bacteria that can cause infections." The seal was reportedly showing signs of slight fever and was underweight.

The rescue operation on Saturday at Waterski Paradise in Vilvoorde involved coordination between the NorthSealTeam and the Sea Life Blankenberge rehabilitation center. Staff from the waterski center kept watch from a distance for about five hours, ensuring the seal had the peace it needed. The pup is now under the care of Sea Life Blankenberge, where it is being treated with the goal of eventual release back into the North Sea.

“

Seals can bite hard and carry bacteria that can cause infections.