How far upriver was the seal pup found?

The grey seal pup was found 20 miles up the River Bure, far from the coast.

Which charity rescued the seal pup?

Friends of Horsey Seals, a wildlife charity, rescued the underweight seal pup.

What is the usual habitat of seals found in this area?

Seals in this area typically come from the colony at Sea Palling, near Horsey Gap.

Home / Environment / Seal Pup Rescued 20 Miles Upriver

Seal Pup Rescued 20 Miles Upriver

29 Dec, 2025

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Summary

A grey seal pup was found 20 miles inland from the coast.
The underweight pup was rescued by Friends of Horsey Seals.
Sunshine the pup was likely swept 20 miles upriver from Sea Palling.

A grey seal pup, unusually found 20 miles inland on the River Bure, has been successfully rescued. The angler discovered the underweight pup on Boxing Day near Horning, after it became entangled in his fishing net while pursuing a fish. This marks one of the most extraordinary seal rescue stories of the year, with the pup likely having journeyed upriver from its coastal home.

The seal pup, now named Sunshine, weighed significantly less than expected for its age, highlighting its need for intervention. Friends of Horsey Seals, a dedicated wildlife charity, facilitated the rescue and brought the pup to the RSPCA for necessary care. The charity noted that Horning is a considerable distance from the typical seal colony at Sea Palling.

Experts believe Sunshine probably swam up the River Bure from Great Yarmouth, covering approximately 20 miles to reach Horning. The pup is reportedly recovering well, indicating a positive outcome for this remarkable river rescue. The incident underscores the resilience of wildlife and the importance of timely human intervention.