Pūciņa was found as a weakened pup on a Jaundubulti beach on March 26 last year.
At the time of finding, the weight of the seal was 14 kilograms - just slightly more than at birth. Inspectors of the Nature Conservation Agency brought the weak animal with an eye injury to the care of veterinarians at Rīga Zoo. After long treatment, the disease was managed and the animal retained full vision, but it slowed its growth rate and the seal did not gain weight as fast as planned.
Upon reaching the necessary weight and health condition, it was decided to give the seal the opportunity to spend her future life in the Baltic Sea.
After coming out of the travel container, Pūciņa watched the area for a while, assessing the situation, then confidently set off in the waves and gradually floated away from the shore.
Seal pups appear on the Latvian coast every March and April. Inspectors of the Nature Conservation Agency bring injured seals to Riga Zoo for rehabilitation. Residents spotting pups on the beach must in no way approach them or try to save them, as it is mostly unnecessary and harmful. If there are concerns about the seal's health, the Nature Conservation Agency must be contacted.
