Seal rescued from fishing net released back into UK ocean

A seal pup has returned to the ocean after a harrowing ordeal involving a fishing net that left it with severe injuries. The seal, named Hot Cross Bun, was found on April 10 in Nanjizal, Cornwall, with a fishing net "deeply embedded in its skin." The rescue was a joint effort between the British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) and the Cornish Seal Sanctuary, part of the SEA LIFE Trust.

After its rescue, Hot Cross Bun was taken to the Cornish Seal Sanctuary for treatment and rehabilitation. The sanctuary explained its process for preparing rescued seal pups for release. This involves ensuring the pup is free of infection, has a healthy weight, and learns essential survival skills like interacting with other seals and catching fish.

Hot Cross Bun successfully completed its rehabilitation and was released back into its natural habitat on June 16, alongside another seal. The sanctuary celebrated the successful recovery, noting the seal's "incredible strength" throughout the process.