Seal trapped at Tees Barrage white water rafting course is returned to the wild
A seal which was trapped in a white water rafting course for about a week was able to swim free back down river accompanied by another seal - thanks to a rescue effort by the RSPCA and The Canal and River Trust.
The female seal had been seen swimming around the Tees Barrage White Water Rafting Course in Stockton-on-Tees and was monitored by staff at the centre.
After a few days they became concerned the seal was unable to make her way back into the River Tees so called the RSPCA for help and inspectors Krissy Raine and Shane Lynn were sent to the scene on Tuesday (July 27).
Krissy said the seal appeared distressed but uninjured and after consulting with The Canal and River Trust it was established that she had entered the area through some underwater gates but they had probably closed behind her which caused her to become trapped.
Krissy said: “She is a very big seal and I think she must have followed some fish into this area through the gates. This does happen quite a lot in this location but usually the seals can get out.
“In this case her large body probably clattered on the gates and they shut behind her so she was unable to get back into the free-flowing river.
“The Canal and River Trust decided the best way to help her would be to drain the water overnight so they could get their divers to access the gates and open them for her.
On Thursday (July 29) Krissy attended the scene once again to monitor the seal and she saw that she had safely passed through the open gates and was swimming happily off with her waiting seal friend in the river.
Krissy said: “It was so nice to see her happily leave the area and she appeared in good health with no injuries. She went off with another seal down the River Tees - it was a great moment to witness.
“I am so grateful to the assistance of the Canal and River Trust who were great in helping free the seal - it was a fantastic team effort.”
The RSPCA advises the public not to approach any seals they see as these are wild animals and can have a nasty bite.
As a result, the charity will ask members of the public to monitor the seals from a safe distance for a 24-hour period before contacting the animal welfare charity on 0300 1234 999.
To help the RSPCA continue rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals in desperate need of care please visit our website or call our donation line on 0300 123 8181.