Three young grey seal pups have been rescued from beaches in Wexford and Wicklow after being found orphaned, underweight and suffering from health problems.

The seals, named Maui, Pluto and Sedna, were taken into the care of Sea Rescue Ireland during a series of rescues between October 8th and 13th.

Maui, a male pup estimated to be between two and four weeks old, was found at Cullenstown, Co Wexford, on October 8th by a member of the public, Pat H.

He weighed just 18kg when he arrived in care and was found to be dehydrated and underweight. He also had visible signs of infection around his umbilicus and left ear, discharge from his ear and crusty wounds on the left side of his head.

A second male pup, Pluto, was rescued from Newtown Beach in Co Wicklow on October 12th after being found by Seafra G.

Also estimated to be between two and four weeks old, Pluto was found orphaned and underweight, weighing 14.8kg on arrival. He was also suffering from congested lungs and required additional monitoring and treatment.

The third rescue involved Sedna, a female pup found at Ballinoulart Beach in Co Wexford on October 13th by Nuala S.

Sedna was taken directly into the organisation’s intensive care unit, where she was found to be severely underweight and emaciated. She weighed just 12.6kg and still had her lanugo, the soft coat carried by very young seal pups.

Sea Rescue Ireland thanked the members of the public who reported the animals and the volunteers who helped transport the three pups safely into care.

The organisation said all three would receive the support and attention needed as they began their rehabilitation.

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