Rescue crews in Kirkkonummi have come to the aid of a stranded seal pup, in this year’s cutest emergency call-out.
The alarm was raised when the young seal was found own its own on dry land, so firemen went to catch the pup and take it to Helsinki’s Korkeasaari Zoo for expert care.
Länsi-Uudenmaan Rescue Department advise that if you see a seal out of its usual habitat or if it seems to be unwell, it most likely needs human help. Healthy seals in their own habitat should be left alone, no matter how cute they are. Humans and dogs should avoid them.
Don’t try to help any stranded or injured seals yourself - the help must come from professional rescuers because seals can have a powerful bite which can cause serious infection if it’s not immediately treated.
The department says don’t call 112, but call your local fire station instead.
Typically, animals are taken to a safe place to be released back to nature or if they’re hurt they get taken to a wildlife rescue facility, a vet or a local zoo like the Kirkkonummi seal pup.
