Staff at a luxury hotel and spa in North Wales received the most unexpected visitor in the wake of Storm Goretti – a baby seal pup looking for a place to rest.
An Unlikely Guest Arrives
On January 11, 2026, employees at The Quay Hotel and Spa in Conwy, Wales, were astonished to find a young seal pup calmly resting in the car park, seemingly unfazed by the nearby vehicles. The four-star establishment quickly shared the unusual sighting on social media, noting the pup had decided their premises were "the perfect spot for a rest."
While the surprise guest brought smiles to the team, they knew immediate action was required. The hotel staff promptly reported the incident to the British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR), the specialist marine animal rescue organisation.
Expert Rescue Ensures a Happy Ending
BDMLR medics were swiftly on the scene to assess the young animal. After a thorough check confirmed the seal was healthy, they carefully transported it to a specialist facility for further observation and care. The hotel later confirmed the pup was doing "well" and had been returned to where it belongs.
This incident in Conwy is not the first of its kind. A few years prior, another baby seal was rescued after becoming trapped in rocks at St Mary’s Island in Whitley Bay, North Tyneside. Volunteers from St Mary’s Seal Watch were alerted and managed to free the uninjured pup, which was then released back into the sea.
Seal Encounters Require Caution
A spokesperson from St Mary’s Seal Watch used that earlier rescue to highlight the dangers, noting that even young seals are heavy and possess extremely sharp teeth capable of delivering a nasty and dangerous bite. They advised that while seals sometimes appear stuck, they often free themselves, but intervention by trained experts is crucial when they are genuinely trapped.
The heartwarming story from Conwy serves as a reminder of the unexpected encounters with wildlife that can follow severe weather and the importance of contacting professional rescue services, like the BDMLR, to ensure a safe outcome for all.
