A seal was seen at Clearwater Beach today [Feb 18] and it returned to the ocean before BAMZ staff could arrive to provide assistance, and they noted that a “seal in Bermuda is in distress” so have advised that anyone sees the seal please keep your distance and contact the BAMZ Animal hotline at 293-2727.

A BZS spokesperson said, “This morning a juvenile seal was discovered on Clearwater Beach by a member of the public. Although the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo [BAMZ] were contacted, the pup returned to the ocean before BAMZ staff could arrive to provide assistance.

“Seals are not usually found in Bermuda and there have been only a handful rescued in the last 20 years. A seal in Bermuda is in distress as there are no good fish for them in Bermuda waters and they have made a large ocean crossing and are likely exhausted emaciated and dehydrated.

“We are asking that if members of the public see the seal pup, to keep their distance from the animal, as it is possibly stressed, and to contact the BAMZ Animal hotline at (441) 293-2727 ext #999.”

Update | Stephen Wright reports: A local woman on an early morning swim has spoken of her surprise after discovering a baby seal at Clearwater Beach today.

Ruby Dill, from St David’s, was walking towards the shore for her daily dip when she heard a strange noise and, believing someone was in distress, approached a shadowy figure on the beach.

As Ms Dill got closer, she realised it was a baby seal and, after calling for assistance from two passers-by, waited until the was animal back in the ocean.

“When I got to the beach, it was quite dark,” Ms Dill told Bernews. “I went down to the shore and heard a funny sound. I thought someone was calling out to me and was in trouble.

“I walked towards the noise and eventually came to a baby seal. At first, I didn’t know what it was. I looked at it; it looked at me. Initially, I thought the seal was hurt.”

Ms Dill approached a couple in the car park for help.

“People let their dogs run wild on the beach, so I stayed until I figured out what to do with the seal,” added Ms Dill, who contacted the Bermuda Aquarium Museum and Zoo [BAMZ]. “I was worried the baby seal could have been hurt. I call it my baby seal!

“As we got closer, the seal became violent, showing its teeth and pulling itself quickly towards us. It made a noise like a cat and opened its mouth to show its teeth. We decided not to get too close!” She noted that “eventually, it calmed down,” and went back into the water.

Update | The seal has been rescued. BZS said, “This afternoon, the staff of the Bermuda Aquarium Museum and Zoo were able to rescue the juvenile seal from Clearwater Beach. The seal has been identified as a male grey seal and is estimated to be under a year old.

“The team at BAMZ have take the seal to their facility, where he is now resting in BAMZ’s quarantine facility and considered in critical but stable condition. Following a full physical examination including a complete panel of blood tests, he was treated with fluids to help with dehydration. It is likely that he has an infection and this will be further assessed with an examination tomorrow morning. We thank the public for their assistance and will keep people updated on his condition and hopefully recovery.”