View seal pup from a distance, charity asks

Manx Wildlife Trust volunteers have been monitoring the pup

Visitors to Fenella Beach in Peel are being urged to give a young grey seal pup plenty of space as it rests on the shore.

Manx Wildlife Trust volunteers including Kate and Charlie have been monitoring the pup, which has been on the beach for several days. 

Its mother has been seen in the water nearby where she is keeping an eye on her pup.

Volunteers have been lending binoculars to visitors and asking people to watch from a safe distance of 50 to 100 metres.

Signs and barriers are in place, although the beach has not been officially closed. Dog walkers are also being asked to keep dogs on leads near the castle.

The volunteers say they’ll check the pup daily for signs of distress, but won’t intervene if it appears well. They say it looks 'happy, alert' and is moving its flippers well.

This has been a busy week for seals in the area, with a seal washing ashore on Monday and another live seal reported on Wednesday.

The charity says most visitors have been supportive and hope the pup’s presence will raise awareness of how to respect local wildlife.