A THREE-WEEK-OLD seal pup has been rescued after being found malnourished and alone on Grange beach.

The pup, which has since been named Sebna, was discovered by several members of the public, who contacted the British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR).

First on the scene to provide expert advice on what to do next was Grange resident Sarah Neill, Cumbria coordinator for BDMLR.

Ms Neill, who is also a Lecturer in Animal Management for Kendal College, said: “The pup was alone, very malnourished and below birth weight so I lifted the pup and transported it to our Kendal College Animal Rescue Centre for some first aid.

“The best port of call was to take it to a short-term care facility in Kendal at the college.

“The pup will continue to receive fluid therapy and care here until it is relayed to a rescue centre with long-term facilities.

“It was rightly reported to the British Divers Marine Life Rescue by three members of the public who were visiting Grange.

“These people kindly guarded the pup from approaching dogs and people until I arrived to assess it.”

Ms Neill has since named the pup after her upcoming icy adventure, the Sebna Arctic expedition.

“The expedition is in November 2020 and will be based around gaining scientific research in relation to climate change,” said Ms Neill.

“It just seemed fitting to name the pup Sebna.”

Ms Neill also provided advice to the public on what to do if they spot a seal pup on a beach.

She said: “A lot of people would see a baby pup on a beach and feel the need to help it.

“But the majority of the time the animals are just resting and should not be interfered.

“There’s plenty of cases where they thought they were helping baby pup, and as a result, broken the bond between the young mammal and its mother, who is watching from the water.

“If you see a stranded seal, the best advice is to call the British Divers Marine Life Rescue, on: 01825 765546.”