Gnocchi released back into the wild
He'd been cared for at East Winch Wildlife Centre
Last updated 31st May 2021
Gnocchi, one of last year's grey pups, was rescued from Walton-on-the-Naze in March.
When he arrived at the East Winch Wildlife Centre he had an awful wound around his neck - and when vets first examined him they weren't quite sure what was causing the injury.
But after the seal was given pain relief and antibiotics they began work on removing the restriction from his neck and to their horror they realised it was a black plastic bag - similar to those used as bin liners.
Gnocchi received weeks of care at the centre for his injury, which was deep and infected. He was given pain relief and antibiotics as well as regular salt baths.
And on May 17th he was released back to the wild from a site in the Sutton Bridge area.
Ben Kirby, manager at the centre, said:
"Gnocchi's injury had been caused by such an innocuous object - and this small plastic bag had caused him untold pain and injury and resulted in him needing weeks of care.
"Thankfully he responded really well to his treatment and his wound healed quickly, so we were able to release him back to the wild.
"I must admit he didn't hang around at the release location - as soon as he smelt the water he was off. It was good to see that he is really eager to return and we hope he continues to thrive now he is back in the wild."
If you see an animal you have concerns about please call the RSPCA's emergency line on 0300 1234 999. Do not attempt to capture or handle an injured seal.
In the last two years, the RSPCA has received 8,092 calls about animals injured or caught up in litter. That's an average of 11 incidents per day and that's only the ones we know about. You can help animals by joining the Great British Spring Clean and be part of the million mile litter picking mission.