HEMSBY, NORFOLK – A seal pup was spotted loitering outside the Istanbul Delight kebab shop in Hemsby last night, apparently disoriented and, quite possibly, drunk.

By Our: Norfolk Reporter: Ian Bred

The wayward pup’s late-night adventure caused concern among locals, as the shop is located hundreds of metres inland, far from its natural beach habitat.

Marine and Wildlife Rescue was swiftly dispatched after the sighting was reported, though initial attempts to locate the pup were met with confusion. “We asked a few people about a seal, and they thought we were joking,” said Fran Silversmith, chairman of the Great Yarmouth-based rescue centre. “One guy pointed and said, ‘Seal pup? Yeah, over there next to the walrus,’ so that was helpful.”

Whiskey whiskers

The mischievous pup was eventually found outside the Mirage amusement arcade, where it appeared to be mumbling incoherently about a “Stuck Farmer.” Witnesses speculated that the seal, clearly a lightweight, had been out on the lash and simply got lost while looking for shelter – or perhaps, a cheeky late-night drink. “He was definitely a bit worse for wear,” Silversmith added. “It happens.”

Despite the pup’s condition, Silversmith and a colleague managed to wrangle it onto a stretcher and carry it back to the beach.

Silversmith noted that while seal sightings inland are becoming more frequent due to population growth, drunk seals are still a rarity—though not unheard of. “Twenty years ago, we’d get maybe two drunk seal calls a week. Now, I’m fielding 15-20 at peak times. It’s like they’ve discovered pub crawls.”

Beware of Seal Pups

Officials are urging residents to avoid approaching these seal pups, especially when they’re intoxicated. “They might look friendly, but trust me, you don’t want to mess with a drunk seal,” Silversmith warned. “They’re faster than you think, and a lot less charming when they’re pissed.”

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