Full Breakdown
Seal Pup 'Cold Call' Rescued in Norfolk
1/17/2026, 8:12:12 PM
Discovery and Rescue of Cold Call
A young seal pup, nicknamed ‘Cold Call’, was rescued after being found outside a house in Gorleston-on-Sea, Norfolk, by a postman on January 2, 2026. The pup, estimated to be one to two weeks old and weighing 11.8 kg (26 lbs), had previously been spotted in a car park attempting to hide under parked vehicles. Following her discovery, Cold Call was taken to the RSPCA East Winch Wildlife Centre for rehabilitation, joining 32 other grey seal pups currently under care at the facility.
Background on Seal Pup Rescues
The rescue of Cold Call is part of a broader trend this season, as many seal pups have been orphaned due to severe weather conditions. Last November, storms and high tides displaced numerous seal pups, leading to an influx of rescues. Dan Goldsmith from Marine and Wildlife Rescue noted that Cold Call was significantly underweight and required extensive care before she could be released back into the wild. The rehabilitation process for seal pups can take several months, with staff focusing on getting the animals to eat independently.
Current Situation and Care
Evangelos Achilleos, manager of the East Winch Wildlife Centre, emphasized the unusual circumstances surrounding Cold Call's rescue, stating, “There have been some really curious places these seals have been found – but I have to say Cold Call is one of the more unusual.” The centre is currently managing a high number of seal pups, many of whom were separated from their mothers due to the recent storms. Achilleos mentioned that some seals have sustained injuries from being swept against rocks or have been found in unexpected locations, such as muddy fields.
Criticism and Concerns
While the rescue efforts have been praised, there are concerns about the increasing number of seal pups needing assistance. The GSPCA reported rescuing five seal pups in less than five weeks, indicating a troubling trend linked to stormy weather conditions. Steve Byrne, GSPCA manager, highlighted the potential for more rescues as the seal pup season progresses, urging the public to report any seals in distress.
Official Statements
Dan Goldsmith remarked on the challenges faced during the rescue operations, stating, “Despite a thorough search by our team, we could not find her, although we were certain that she may have shuffled into an adjacent garden.” He expressed gratitude towards the East Winch team for their ongoing support in caring for the rescued pups.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Evangelos Achilleos, centre manager, said: “Cold Call is just one of the many seal pups we are currently caring for as we had a large number of orphaned greys come in due to the tides and storms.” — Evangelos Achilleos, Manager, East Winch Wildlife Centre
- “ Steve Byrne, GSPCA manager, said: "What a way to start 2026 as we rescue our fifth seal pup in a month.” — Steve Byrne, GSPCA Manager
- “There was not a chance the pup could be returned to a local beach” — Dan Goldsmith, Marine and Wildlife Rescue
The ongoing efforts to rescue and rehabilitate seal pups like Cold Call highlight the challenges faced by wildlife in the wake of extreme weather events, underscoring the importance of community awareness and support for animal rescue organizations.
