A young grey seal has been released back into the water after being found at a Liverpool ice rink.
Members of the public first spotted the disorientated male on Tuesday morning at the Pier Head, which is hosting the city’s Ice Festival this year.
The seal had strayed to the back of the ice rink complex and could not find his way back to the nearby River Mersey despite not suffering any injury.
RSPCA animal welfare officer Matt Brown said: “This little chap had somehow got himself up onto the pier and then onto the ice rink, who knows how.
“Thankfully he wasn’t injured, so we were able to guide him back towards the sea.
“He was a little reluctant to get back into the water, perhaps he wanted another go on the ice.
“But after some encouragement, off he went and we watched him swim away.”
Anyone who finds a seal pup on the beach who is not in immediate danger and looks fit and healthy is being asked to monitor the animal.
RSPCA officials say that a healthy pup will look big and fat without a neck whereas a poorly pup will look thin and will have a visible neck.