Freddie Mercury – the seal pup, not Queen’s famous frontman – has become something of a national treasure in Britain and beyond after appearing on a popular morning show earlier this year.
Tragically, the Daily Mail reported that the “well-loved” seal was the victim of a “cruel” dog attack on Sunday. Despite the best efforts of rescue workers and public support, Freddie was sacrificed hours later.
Nine-month-old Freddie was relaxing by the London River Thames when a dog attacked him. The photos show several pedestrians trying to intervene by witnessing the commotion and pulling the dog away from Freddie. They then used their bodies to protect him until medical assistance arrived at the scene.
The seal suffered significant injuries, including “deep lacerations in the neck and fin”.
At least two people were also injured in the commotion, including veterinarian Rachel Kirby, who was bitten on the thigh and hand.
After he was initially admitted for medical treatment, it was uncertain whether Freddie’s condition would improve. However, on Monday, South Essex Wildlife Hospital released sad news about Freddie’s health in a statement on twitter.
“The fin is very swollen and despite antibiotics and pain relief, the seal is clearly uncomfortable and reluctant to eat. We suspect that the infection is spreading and with the other bites on his body he is very unhappy,” they said.
“At this stage, we believe that the only ethical and fair option we have is to end your suffering.”
Chris Jackson / Getty Images
According to the Daily Mirror, the incident that led to Freddie’s premature death was actually his fourth rescue. A few weeks earlier, the seal pup had to be “removed from the Thames at Teddington Lock after a fisherman’s bait was caught in his mouth”. His bailout attracted national attention in the UK.
Freddie’s flipper tag also indicated two previous rescues in Europe – first after he was found orphaned on a beach in the Netherlands and again in Calais after contracting a pulmonary worm. It was from Calais that Freddie made his way to the Thames.
Freddie was recognized by many members of the London public and was named for his habit of entertaining passersby who often saw him on the river.
The statement released by South Essex Wildlife Hospital also included a note of caution, hoping to prevent future tragedies. “We know that this is a very dear seal for the incredible response we had to its history,” they wrote, “but it is not the only seal that we had to take care of for this to happen. Please, guys, don’t go close of seals and always, always, keep dogs on leashes and under control. “