A brave seal pup has been returned to the sea after undergoing a tricky life-saving operation.
The pup, named Leaf Cutter, required 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 said the operation was Leaf Cutter’s only chance of survival as she was unable to swim when she was rescued in January.
She was found in Carbis Bay, near St Ives, Cornwall, and later taken to the Cornish Seal Sanctuary.
She was severely malnourished and required intricate veterinary attention, as reported by Need To Know.
Shortly before the surgery, Jessica Holgate, of the Cornish Seal 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.”
But now Leaf Cutter has made a triumphant return to the wild after receiving life-saving care thanks to supporters who funded the critical operation.
And after months of rehabilitation where she regained her strength, she was among five seal pups released back into the sea on Saturday (April 5).
Tamara Cooper, Curator at the Cornish Seal Sanctuary, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to see Leaf Cutter return to her natural habitat alongside four other rehabilitated pups.
“Her journey has been a testament to the power of community support and the vital role our sanctuary plays in giving these animals a second chance.
“We are so grateful to the amazing team at RoseVean Veterinary Practice who played a huge part in Leaf Cutter’s successful rehabilitation and subsequent release”
Thanks to the GPS tracker fitted to Leaf Cutter, supporters will be able to track her progress.
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