Cornish Seal Sanctuary release rare 'black' grey seal back in the wild

The pip called 'Liquorice' was rescued in January by walkers on the Cornish coastline. Once she arrived at the sanctuary, the team discovered that she was underweight and had difficulties breathing. 

Liquorice is ‘melanistic’ which means she is completely black from head to toe – something seen in just one in 400 grey seals.

However, she successfully returned to the sea after receiving expert care from the sanctuary’s animal care team.

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Tamara Cooper, the sanctuary’s curator said: “Liquorice is a really interesting pup, and we believe it’s just the third time in 20 years that a melanistic pup has been in our care.

“Her rare colouring made her an international hit, with visitors from across the UK and beyond making a special visit to the Sanctuary to see her.

“While it’s sad to see her go, we know the wild is the best place for her and we’re sure she will now thrive in the place where she is supposed to be.”

Liquorice returns back to the sea (Image: Cornish Seal Sanctuary)

Liquorice has returned to the sea with two fellow pups, Sage and Turmeric.

Sage was admitted to the Sanctuary in early March with multiple wounds and a broken digit. Turmeric was rescued in January and eventually had an eye removed to prevent rupture.

Both have made a complete recovery and have returned to the wild, alongside Liquorice, as the Cornish Seal Sanctuary comes to the end of another busy pup season.

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The Cornish Seal Sanctuary’s rescue, rehab and release project is all about saving grey seal pups from around the Cornish coastline.

Each year, the charity will see an estimated 70 pups come through the doors from September to March, with care for each pup costing an average of £2,000 - £3,000.