‘Hulk’ answers call of the sea in Skegness

Hulk has been cared for by Skegness Natureland since staff rescued him and took him to the seal hospital with string tangled around his neck and weighing just 30kg.

On Thursday and weighing 52kg it was time to for him to say farewell to the other pups - and he let everyone know he wasn’t sure he wanted to go.

“He wasn’t very impressed with being weighed or with his ride to the beach,” said Daisy Yeadon of Skegness Natureland.

“There was a lot of snarling but the plus side is he’s gained a lovely 20kg taking him from 30kg when he was rescued to 52kg.

“When we got to the beach he was reluctant to come out of the crate as he was very nervous, so had to be encouraged out.

“But once he was out and he was sure we weren’t going to harm him he went straight out = no problem - and looked a lot happier.”
Hulk had been tangled in a bit of string, possibly a kite or from another toy, which had caused a horrible injury to his neck.

Keepers had to make sure his wound was kept clean and was sprayed with antiseptic solution to fight off any infection.

“A lot of work and fish (2-3kg a day) went towards making him better,” said Daisy. “After being brought over to the rearing pool the sea water did a lovely job of healing his wound and just three months later he was ready for release!
“He is the biggest seal we have rescued so far this season and together with the green antiseptic spray, it was thought The Incredible Hulk was a fitting name for him.”
Currently, Natureland has five seals in its hospital but staff expect to rescue many more now that Grey Seal season is in full swing.

The total number of seals released to date is now 872.