A rescued seal pup is facing a tricky life-saving op after being found with a serious injury.
The pup, named Leaf Cutter, needs to undergo an urgent procedure on one of her flippers.
The injured animal was rescued with a wound to her right flipper possibly caused by another seal.
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After initial treatment, an X-ray revealed a fractured metacarpal, which needed surgery.
Vets say the operation is Leaf Cutter’s only chance of survival as she is currently unable to swim.
The three-month-old pup needs an intricate and tricky procedure.
She was found in Carbis Bay, near St Ives, Cornwall, and later taken to the Cornish Seal Sanctuary, as reported by Need ToKnow.
Jessica Holgate, trainee animal care specialist at the sanctuary, said: “An X-ray of her flipper revealed a fractured bone that has to be removed for her to use it properly.
“It’s a very precise, technical operation which will be a challenge for our amazing vets.
“There’s certainly no issues with her appetite, she’s a strong little pup, she’s got a big personality and she’s really funny.
“She loves her food and she sometimes chases you around when you’re trying to clean, so she’s a real sweetheart.”
Tamara Cooper, from the sanctuary, added: “We have everything crossed for little Leaf Cutter.
“She needs an intricate operation on her front flipper that will see our vets try to only remove the affected bone.
“We are confident in a positive outcome and hope to see Leaf Cutter on the road to recovery very soon.”
The sanctuary is hoping to raise £1,000 for Leaf Cutter’s operation and rehabilitation as she learns to swim with her newly-fixed flipper.
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