A seal has been suddenly spotted in Bruges' outer canal on Friday morning. It was passers-by who noticed the animal near the Dampoort. The fire brigade and carers from the seal sanctuary arrived at the scene to lead the seal back to sea.
Seals are an unusual sight for the city, as it is roughly 11 kilometres from the coast. The animal likely navigated into the canal system from somewhere on the coast.
“The fire brigade and city services were quickly notified and closely monitored the situation. Shippers were also urged to adjust their speed and look out carefully [for the animal],” said acting mayor Minou Esquenet (CD&V). “According to lockkeepers, the animal had been swimming around the area for about two weeks. The animal was clearly enjoying itself here.”
The city eventually contacted the Sea Life Blankenberge seal sanctuary for advice. There are two types of seals present in Belgium: the grey seal and the harbour seal.
“In order to maximise the animal’s welfare, Sea Life Blankenberge decided to drive the seal to the sea this afternoon together with the fire brigade,” the sanctuary announced.
