It’s a sunny day on Ross Sands Beach in north-east England when an observant walker discovers something strange on the beach.
A white heap rests there, motionless and abandoned. His first thought: random flotsam. But what he then sees breaks his heart.
It is a helpless baby seal that has been washed too far to shore and is fighting for its life. The rescue service number is dialled immediately.
A tough fight for survival
The experts called from British Divers Marine Life Rescue rushed to the scene.
„At first we thought the puppy wasn’t breathing. But then we were relieved to see her moving her head.“
says marine mammal vet Lynn Young.
The rescuers are faced with a difficult decision: The rising tide brings the danger of the seal being washed back into the sea.
They have to act quickly.
A careful rescue
With extreme care, the seal is wrapped in a towel and brought to safety.
„She didn’t seem to mind being moved. She even slept for part of the journey, probably because she was hypothermic, exhausted and premature.“
says Jane Hardy, a colleague of Lynn Young.
It’s an emotional picture: the rescuers are touchingly caring for the little creature.
During the examination, it turns out that the seal, which they affectionately call „Mystic“, is healthy despite its weakness.
The little one is taken to Hessilhead Wildlife Rescue, where she is wrapped in warming light to recover.
The hope of a new life
Mystic gradually recovers at the sanctuary. Her strength returns as the carers look after her.
The sad encounter on the beach becomes an inspiring story about survival and humanity.
Mystic has been given a second chance thanks to the quick response and compassion of the people who saved her life.
Her story will not only touch those who were on the beach that day, but also open the hearts of people worldwide.
It is a reminder of how important it is to stand up for those who have no voice and how a single act can change the fate of a living being.
Source: The Dodo
