Two fully-recovered seal pups were successfully released back into the wild on Monday.

Grey seal pups, Kirk and Douglas, were released at Lhagg Beach in Niarbyl after spending two months with the ManxSPCA staff, who had nursed them back to health.

MSPCA welfare coordinator Adrian Cannell said: ’The release went perfectly and hopefully they’ll now be familiarising themselves with the area and heading out to deeper water.

’Kirk, a male seal, was brought in on December 7 following a dog attacking him on Kirk Michael beach. He was extremely thin and given a slim chance of survival by the vets, weighing less than 13kg on arrival, which for a two-week-old pup is very bad.

’Douglas, the female seal, was rescued from Douglas beach on December 16 following a call from a member of the public. She was in a much worse state, as her respiratory system was really struggling and she weighed less than 12kg.’

The seals were given extensive medical attention and were eventually given about 20-25 herring each per day, with the average cost of feeding at £80-£100 per week.

A large outdoor pool was also donated by the Unity Dance School to help the charity prepare the pups for the open sea.

On the day of the release, the seals weighed just over the ideal ’release weight’, which is between 35-40kg.

General manager Juana Warburton added: ’We couldn’t afford tagging the pups, which we would’ve like to have done, as it costs around £3,000. However, we have microchipped Kirk and Douglas.

’We’re hoping to find someone interested in helping conduct this type of scientific research next year.’

Adrian said: ’The release was carefully selected for the maximum chance for them to get used to the surroundings and being free. The beach was secluded and known for its grey seal population.

’All in all, it’s been a great result and we’re more than satisfied. This is a happily ever after story.’