A RESCUED seal pup has returned to the sea off the coast of Anglesey with a helping hand from conservationists.

The Anglesey Sea Zoo took the grey seal Ranger to the shore near its centre in Brynsiencyn, on the Menai Strait, where he made the first steps back into the sea.

The juvenile seal, which was rescued after a wound became infected, had been treated with antibiotics and fed before reaching full health.

However the pup was apprehensive on his return and he "took a little coaxing" to get past the shoreline waves.

North Wales Chronicle:

Ranger was apprehensive before he returned to the sea but he soon looked at home. Picture: Anglesey Sea Zoo/Facebook

Volunteers from the British Divers Marine Life Rescue, the North Wales Seal Research Organisation and North Wales Wildlife Trust were also on the beach observing the pup, as well as other grey seals which were returned after being rescued.

"Yesterday we released Ranger, the biggest of the two rescued grey seal pups that we currently have here," an Anglesey Sea Zoo spokesperson said.

"Ranger has been with us for just over a week and during that time he has had treatment for his wounds, had antibiotics for a minor infection and has been very well fed ready for re-release. He is now a strong and healthy juvenile and ready to return to the wild where he belongs.

North Wales Chronicle:

Ranger was unsure about the shoreline waves but he was ushered into the water, where rejoin the area's wild grey seal population. Picture: Anglesey Sea Zoo/Facebook

"It was a wonderful moment to watch Ranger swim out to join the other seals out at sea. Although he did take a little coaxing initially to take to the waves, once he swam off he didn’t look back.

"The blue patches are remaining from the antibiotic spray to treat his wounds and the big red cross on his rump will allow us to keep an eye on his whereabouts for the next few days and observe his behaviour."