A GREY seal pup named after a legendary British actress has been released back into the wild after a successful rehabilitation at the Cornish Seal Sanctuary.

The seal, named ‘Judi Dench’ was found earlier this year suffering from dehydration and injuries on Milook Haven Beach, Widemouth Bay. She was then taken to the Cornish Seal Sanctuary in Gweek for medical treatment.

However, once the pup had arrived at the sanctuary, her namesake James Bond and Mrs Brown actress Dame Judi Dench just so happened to be visiting the sanctuary with her family and was able to meet the poorly seal who had been brought in.

Falmouth Packet: 'Judi Dench' was one of three grey seal pups released back into the wild 'Judi Dench' was one of three grey seal pups released back into the wild (Image: Cornish Seal Sanctuary)The family visit was described as ‘fate’ by the charity’s fundraising manager Leanne Attwood, and the actress shared how excited she was to meet the rescue that now bears her name. Following the visit, she also adopted Judi Dench, and fellow rescued seal pup ‘Owen Wilson’, to support the charity’s efforts.

Finty Williams, Dame Judi Dench’s daughter was also visiting the sanctuary with her mother at the time. She said: We felt so very lucky to see them both and Ma (Dame Judi) is very honoured that she has a little seal, bounding about in the sea, that shares her name.”

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This week, Judi the pup has returned to the wild with fellow rescues, Owen Wilson, and Jack Black, following their successful rehabilitation programme.

The release was the charity’s first one of the 23/24 grey seal pup season. With the four pups now healthy and ready to face life in the wild, they’ll have the best possible chance for survival.

Falmouth Packet: Judi Dench makes her return back into the sea with fellow star pup Owen Wilson Judi Dench makes her return back into the sea with fellow star pup Owen Wilson (Image: Cornish Seal Sanctuary)Tamara Cooper, curator for the Cornish Seal Sanctuary said: “It hasn’t been an easy start to the pupping season, with several pups who came to the sanctuary with complicated issues early in the autumn.

“It’s a wonderful feeling to now see some of those pups successfully completing our rehabilitation programme and returning to where they belong.

“Our hospital continues to be incredibly busy, but with the help of our supporters, our team continues to work hard to return as many seal pups back into the wild as possible.

“Finally, a huge thank you to our friends at British Divers Marine Life Rescue who are coordinating the rescues and supporting the initial rehabilitation of many of our pups this year.”

As the season continues and the winter storms roll in, the Cornish Seal Sanctuary is reminding beachgoers to take precautions when visiting beaches where pups are present.

Tamara adds: “Human disturbance is a huge problem for our seal pup population, and we’d recommend anyone heading to their local beaches this winter to keep dogs on leads until checking the beach is clear and keeping their distance if it isn’t.”

Beachgoers are advised to keep dogs on leads and children away, and not to approach or chase the seal back into the sea (it is advised to always keep a distance of 100 miles).

If you believe the pup is in distress or needs medical attention, you can find the signs to look out for and what to do next. You can also call the Cornish Seal Sanctuary on 01326221361 or the BDLMR 24-hour hotline on 018725765546 for more advice.