The Scottish SPCA is caring for a ringed seal which is a species normally found in arctic waters.

And finally a lost visitor:

The Scottish SPCA is caring for a ringed seal which is a species normally found in arctic waters. - Scottish SPCA

We were alerted to the male seal by the British Divers Marine Life Rescue after he was spotted at Cove Bay Harbour in Aberdeen on 27 August.

The seal had abrasions on his back and seemed lethargic. He was mistaken for a common seal pup but when he arrived at our National Wildlife Rescue Centre, he was identified as a ringed seal. Ringed seals are much smaller than common seals which is why he was misidentified as a pup.

very cute spotty seal pup looking into the camera — I mean, look at that face! Hispi, the Ringed Seal pup (image: SSPCA)

Sian Belcher, wildlife assistant said: “We were very surprised to have a ringed seal arrive in our care as they are found in arctic waters and can venture as far south as Greenland or Norway so it’s very unusual that he was found in the Aberdeen area."

Sian continued: “We decided to call him Hispi. He wasn’t too underweight when he arrived but is eating well and putting on some weight. Hispi is doing well and our team are very excited to have such a rare resident. It doesn’t hurt that he’s impossibly cute. He will most likely stay with us in to October and then we will need to get as far north as we possibly can to release him so he can find his way back home.”