A YOUNG grey seal pup has become South Essex Wildlife Hospital’s first ever animal to be flown in after arriving on a private jet at Southend Airport.

Found in a weak and underweight state, Rocky faced a bleak outlook until a community of animal welfare organisations banded together to transport him nearly 300 miles to the Orsett wildlife hospital.

Rescued by British Divers Marine Life Rescue on the Channel Islands in Jersey, Rocky “really needed help”. 

Adorable - Rocky the seal need emergency treatmentAdorable - Rocky the seal need emergency treatment (Image: South Essex Wildlife Hospital)


With the nearest seal rehabilitation centre in Guernsey temporarily closed for refurbishment, British Divers Marine Life Rescue turned to South Essex Wildlife Hospital for help.

To ensure Rocky’s quick recovery, the team arranged for his very own private flight, made possible by the London Southend Jet Centre, which provided the facilities free of charge.

Rocky arrived in Southend on Saturday morning, greeted by the hospital’s staff, who took him to the wildlife hospital for immediate treatment. 

Support - Rocky the seal arrived on his own private jetSupport - Rocky the seal arrived on his own private jet (Image: South Essex Wildlife Hospital)


Now safe in his new temporary home, Rocky is receiving dedicated care from the hospital’s seal team.

Sue Schwar, founder of the South Essex Wildlife Hospital, said: “Rocky was found in a miserable state, exhausted, emaciated and suffering from an ulcer on one eye.

“He really needed help. 

Treatment - Rocky the seal being transported to the South Essex Wildlife HospitalTreatment - Rocky the seal being transported to the South Essex Wildlife Hospital (Image: South Essex Wildlife Hospital)


“Rocky is now already feeling much better as he has started getting less co-operative.

“His eye is clearing up nicely too, so hopefully in two or three months, he can be released.

“We are used to animals coming in unusual ways, but it is our first to arrive by private jet. Rocky got the VIP treatment.” 

Amazing - Community unites to help RockyAmazing - Community unites to help Rocky (Image: South Essex Wildlife Hospital)


As the first grey seal pup of the season, he is expected to be the first of many seals in need this winter, but his story marks a memorable beginning to the hospital’s winter seal season as the first patient to be flown in.

South Essex Wildlife Hospital was originally founded back in the 1990s and has rapidly grown since as it sees thousands of animals every single year.

The charity moved to its current base in 2009, where founder Sue, and lead vet Tom Linsel, live so they can provide care to the animals 24 hours a day, seven days a week.