A SEAL which was trapped in a white water rafting course for a week has been released into the wild.

The animal had become trapped at Tees Barrage White Water Rafting Course, in Stockton.

The RSPCA and The Canal and River Trust carried out a joint rescue effort to allow it to return to the wild.

Staff at the centre had spotted the female seal swimming around and had been monitoring the situation. 

After a few days they became concerned the seal was unable to make her way back into the River Tees so called the RSPCA for help and inspectors Krissy Raine and Shane Lynn were sent to the scene last Tuesday.

Krissy said the seal appeared distressed but uninjured and after consulting with The Canal and River Trust it was established that she had entered the area through some underwater gates but they had probably closed behind her which caused her to become trapped.

She said: “She is a very big seal and I think she must have followed some fish into this area through the gates. This does happen quite a lot in this location but usually the seals can get out.

“In this case her large body probably clattered on the gates and they shut behind her so she was unable to get back into the free-flowing river.

“The Canal and River Trust decided the best way to help her would be to drain the water overnight so they could get their divers to access the gates and open them for her. 

On Thursday (July 29) Krissy attended the scene once again to monitor the seal and she saw that she had safely passed through the open gates and was swimming happily off with her waiting seal friend in the river.

She added: “It was so nice to see her happily leave the area and she appeared in good health with no injuries. She went off with another seal down the River Tees - it was a great moment to witness.

“I am so grateful to the assistance of the Canal and River Trust who were great in helping free the seal - it was a fantastic team effort.”

The RSPCA advises the public not to approach any seals they see as these are wild animals and can have a nasty bite. 

As a result, the charity will  ask members of the public to monitor the seals from a safe distance for a 24-hour period  before contacting the animal welfare charity on 0300 1234 999. 

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