Seals Rescued from Inland River After Depleting Fish Stocks

In a remarkable rescue operation, two seals that had found themselves stranded in a river about 40 miles from the sea have been successfully relocated to a wildlife sanctuary. The seals, named Daffodil and Trifle, were first spotted in a stretch of the River Nene in Peterborough around 2022, and since then, over 300 sightings of the four creatures have been recorded in that area.

Sadly, the fate of two of the seals remains unknown, but the remaining female seals, Daffodil and Trifle, have now been taken to the RSPCA's East Winch center in Norfolk. The decision to remove the seals was made after it was discovered that their presence had seriously depleted the local fish stocks. Rob Harris, the chairman of the Peterborough and District Angling Association, revealed that the adult fish population in the 12-mile stretch of the Nene they maintain had declined by around 95% since the seals arrived.

Authorities say it could take up to 30 years for the fish stocks in the area to return to their previous levels. The rescue operation was a collaborative effort involving several organizations, including Natural England, Marine and Wildlife Rescue, and a veterinarian from the International Zoo Veterinary Group. The seals were carefully transported to their new home, with Daffodil being "herded using a paddle board" and Trifle proving more challenging due to her fear of the board.

Both seals had originally been rescued as sickly pups from beaches in Norfolk, but after treatment and release, they somehow found their way inland, navigating a series of locks and gates. Daffodil has now been released into the sea at Horsey in Norfolk, and Trifle is expected to be set free once her health has been fully assessed.