At the end of September, a passerby walking along Ennereilly Beach in Ireland spotted something concerning — a tiny seal pup, all alone and struggling during a powerful storm.
The witness quickly called Seal Rescue Ireland, and rescuers rushed to assess the situation. After monitoring the beach in hopes that the pup’s mother might return, they realized the baby wouldn't survive on her own and made the critical decision to step in.
“She had a swollen eye and was extremely weak,” said Kathy Baker Walsh, marketing and media manager at Seal Rescue Ireland. “It’s likely she was separated from her mum during Storm Agnes and had been weakened by the ordeal. At that age, seal pups aren’t strong swimmers yet. Their lanugo fur is heavy, and they don’t have the muscle development to swim far — she was very lucky to have been found.”
The team brought the pup back to safety and named her Caragh Lake. But shortly after sharing her photos online, people were stunned — Caragh appeared to be a vivid shade of green and blue.
As striking as her coloring was, it wasn’t natural — and it wasn’t permanent either.
“We use a disinfectant called chlorhexidine to treat cuts and wounds,” Walsh explained. “It’s safe for animals and has a bluish-green tint. Caragh had her umbilical wound treated with it, and as she moved around, it spread over her fur. That’s why she looks so colorful right now. Once she’s healed, she’ll return to her normal seal color.”
Since her rescue, Caragh has been recovering remarkably well. Although she was quiet and subdued at first, her true personality is beginning to shine through.
“Grey seals are naturally quite feisty,” Walsh said. “She’s becoming louder and more confident — both excellent signs of recovery.”
Caragh is expected to make a full recovery and will soon return to the wild, ready for a second chance at life in the sea.
To support Caragh’s journey and help other seals in need, you can donate to Seal Rescue Ireland.
