From Holland to Hammersmith: the life of Freddie the seal

By Ellie Brown - Local Democracy Reporter 24th Mar 2021

Tributes are pouring in for Freddie the seal after his tragic death two days ago.

The friendly pup was a regular on the stretch of the Thames near Kingston and was rescued from Teddington Lock just a month ago.

Freddie later came back to South-West London.

But this Sunday he was mauled by in a horrific dog attack at Hammersmith Bridge.

Vets made the decision to euthanise him on Monday evening.

Details of Freddie's extraordinary life have now begun to emerge, including the origin of his name 'Freddie Mercury.'

It has been reported in the papers that he was nicknamed after the Queen singer for his antics in the Thames.

But this is not true.

In fact, Freddie was christened ten months ago when he was rescued by Pieterburen seal sanctuary in Holland.

The grey harbour seal was found alone on a beach just a few days after he'd been born, according to the sanctuary's website.

Freddie was underweight and had to go into intensive care. It was then that staff at the centre decided to name him after the famous singer.

"Freddie is named after Freddie Mercury and no one's gonna stop him now!" they wrote.

"Help Freddie grow big and strong, donate a portion of fish to him."

He recovered at the centre and was later released into the wild.

Adorable videos of Freddie at the sanctuary are still on its YouTube channel HERE

But the accident-prone pup was soon back in the care of humans.

Freddie swam to France where he developed lungworm and had an operation in Calais.

He later crossed the channel and made his way up the Thames to South-West London.

Teddington Lock was one of his favourite hangouts.

But last month a fishing lure became stuck in his lip and a team of volunteers from British Divers and Marine Life Rescue had to rescue him.

They used a huge net to catch the injured seal and TV vet Scott Miller was on the scene.

Freddie was later released on the Isle of Sheppey nearer the Thames Estuary, but two weeks later he was back in South-West London.

For more details on Freddie's extraordinary life and his time at the sanctuary, you can visit their page HERE

Rest in peace Freddie, we won't forget you.

     

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