GREY seal pups who were in serious ill health after washing up along the shore have been released back into the wild.

This followed a period of rehabilitation at the Welsh Mountain Zoo in Colwyn Bay.

The release took place from the beach in Penrhyn Bay this month.

North Wales Pioneer:

The seal release in January 2020

The three pups have been named after bodies of water in the Himalayas, Renuka, Sela and Ravi, taking inspiration from the zoo’s current project - the ‘Silk Road’

Tom Lawrence, assistant head keeper at the Welsh Mountain Zoo, said: “It’s quite emotional for us all here at the zoo as we say goodbye to our pups. It’s with pride that we’ve watched them grow, regaining their strength and confidence, ultimately making the journey back to full health. Ensuring that they are strong and fit and able to return to their natural habitat, however, is always our ultimate goal.”

Keepers carefully transported the seals, ready for the release, and encouraged the trio to begin their first free water swim since being collected by the RSPCA.

The zoo continues to work closely with the RSPCA, who identify at risk pups, often washed up, disorientated and in poor health having become separated from their mums in stormy weather.

The zoo has become a 'centre of excellence' for the rehabilitation of young seal pups.

Upon arriving at the zoo, keepers immediately began the lengthy process of rehabilitation.

The seals were dangerously underweight initially, at 13.5kg. They left at a very healthy 41kg- 45kg.

They were fed a diet of predominantly fish soup.

The pups have now moved on to fresh fish, eating up to 7kgs of fish a day.