Seal on the Thames - by St Paul's school, Barnes
In case you have not heard, I am copy-pasting a post from Nexdoor as I absolutely loved it!
Seal Update. I have been observing our lovely new neighbour on behalf of my team at the British Divers Marine Life Rescue over the weeks. I have discovered a tag on our seal friend’s flipper and the team was able to unlock the identity of our sea puppy. He is, in fact, a boy named Freddie Mercury. Surprise! Almost a year old and the same seal that was rescued in Teddington after getting a hook stuck in his mouth. Freddie was initially rescued in the Netherlands and then again months later in France. After previous attempts to move him to the estuary with his fellow seals, he seems to prefer it here. So long as he continues to remain healthy and happy the team is happy to let him remain here as long as he likes. I would like to thank everyone who has kept their distance(not gone down the ramp)and kept their dogs away from Freddie. Please continue to do so. I will continue to monitor our Little Rock star and am happy to answer any questions you have if we cross paths. We should all be happy to know that the Thames is buzzing with life. May we all continue to respect and protect it. ️
Answers to regular questions:
1.)The tv show that said he was a female aired before I found the tag that properly identified him. It can be difficult to know for sure sometimes. I went back and forth a couple times about him being male or female myself. Now we know for sure.
2.)Is he hungry?
No. Freddie has gained weight since last week and can even be seen fishing throughout the day. There are 150 types of fish, an endangered species of eel and even a species of shark in the Thames. He is eating well. DO NOT FEED HIM.
3.) How do we know what is too close?
If you go down the ramp-you are too close.
4.) How do I control my dog if he won’t listen to me?
Put them on the lead until you pass the ramp.
5.) what do I do if someone isn’t following the rules?
Tell them to stop. It is for everyone’s well being and safety.
6.) Is he Lonley?
He chose not to stay in the estuary with seals where he was previously released, so I suppose he prefers to ride solo for now. I’m sure if he gets lonley he will leave.
Let’s keep Freddie safe and comfortable so he stays and let’s protect ourselves and our dogs from a potentially dangerous bite, bacteria commonly found in seal saliva or zoonotic parasites.
Loving how the community is coming together! Let’s protect the guy bringing us so much joy!
Thank you!!!
From comments to this post, Freddie can normally be found between Hammersmith Bridge and Barnes Bridge. He loves, apparently, the embankment by St. Paul's School in Barnes.
Ivonne Holliday ● 1866d33 Comments