[All pictures / video Kerry Roberts]

SEAL pups took a minute to find their flippers as they were released back into the sea.

The grey seal pups were released back into the wild from the beach in Penrhyn Bay following a period of rehabilitation at Colwyn Bay's Welsh Mountain Zoo.

They arrived at the zoo after washing up along the shore.

They were collected by the RSPCA and were initially in serious ill health.

Peter Litherland, animal collections manager at the 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.

"We’re incredibly proud of our work with distressed seal pups and are now considered as a centre of excellence for their welfare and rehabilitation.”

The zoo’s expert keepers transported the seals to the beach and encouraged the pups to begin their first free water swim.

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.

All aged under one month old, the seals where considerably underweight at under 15kg.

They left at a healthy 41kg- 45kg.

Fed a diet of predominantly fish soup, the pups - prior to their departure - moved on to fresh fish, eating up to 7kgs of fish a day.