AN unusually early seal rescue from north Pembrokeshire by the RSPCA has marked the beginning of the season for the animal welfare charity.

In 2017/18, RSPCA officers in the West and South West of Wales rescued in excess of 100 seals, and are bracing themselves for another potentially busy period.

The first seal of the new season, named Aye-Aye, has now come into the charity’s care, after the moulted pup was taken in by Welsh Marine Life Rescue, having being found alone on Abereiddy beach on July 30.

In 2017/18, the first orphaned seal to arrive at the Taunton-based centre from Wales came on September 9.

Sadly, the poor pup was very nasally congested, and thin for her age. She has now been transferred to specialist wildlife facilities by the RSPCA, at Taunton.

Video footage shows the seal being transported to the specialist centre.

The seal has been affectionately named Aye-Aye, with the RSPCA's West Hatch Centre this season naming rescued seals after rare species of wildlife.

Aye-Aye will now undergo a period of rehabilitation for a planned return to the wild at a later date.

RSPCA animal collection officer (ACO) Ellie West said: “Last year, we took more than 100 seals into our care in South West and West Wales - and Aye-Aye marks the first pup we have rescued for the 2018/19 season.

“The seal season usually starts in late September - so this is unusually early; but we’re sure her rescue will be the first of many.

“We’re indebted to Welsh Marine Life Rescue, who helped with this rescue - and Aye-Aye - who, like seals to follow her, has been named after a rare species of wildlife - will now be based at a specialist centre in Taunton for care and vital rehabilitation.”

ACO West reiterated the importance of people knowing what to do if they suspect a seal is in danger, adding: "It is the summer holidays - so we're conscious that people may be coming across seals on beaches.

“Should somebody find a seal pup that looks fit and healthy and shows no signs of distress, they should monitor it first from a safe distance for 24 hours.

“If the mother does not return within 24 hours, or you think that the pup is sick or injured – please keep a safe distance and call our 24-hour emergency line on 0300 1234 999.”