Rare spotted seal pup with odd face rescued after ingesting oil paint

A spotted seal pup with an unusual facial structure has been admitted to the Tulen Rehabilitation Center in Primorje, Slovenia. The young animal, found in Triozerye Bay, arrived with health issues including kidney inflammation and an elevated temperature. Tests later revealed it had ingested oil paint.

The center, which has seen a sharp rise in seal admissions in recent years, is now treating the pup with medication and kidney flushing procedures. The seal was discovered in Triozerye Bay on March 16, 2023, showing clear signs of illness. After examination, vets confirmed kidney inflammation and a high temperature. Further tests detected oil paint in its system, likely ingested from contaminated water or prey.

Meanwhile, another lone spotted seal pup was reported in Possyet Bay. Information about this second animal was quickly passed to specialists in Vladivostok. The Telegram channel Tulenyatnik and Everything Else (16+) provided regular updates on both cases.

On March 23, 2023, the unusual seal with the distinct facial features was formally admitted to the Tulen Rehabilitation Center. Staff began immediate treatment, administering Enterosgel to absorb toxins and flushing its kidneys to reduce inflammation. An agreement was soon reached to ensure the seal would receive lifelong care, ruling out euthanasia.

The Tulen center has expanded significantly since 2022, allowing it to handle more cases than other regional facilities. Admissions have climbed steadily, from 15 seals in 2020 to 87 in 2025. Nearby centers in Koper and Piran, by comparison, treat only 20–30 seals combined each year due to limited capacity. The seal pup will remain under close observation at the Tulen Rehabilitation Center. Its treatment includes ongoing kidney support and toxin removal. The center's expanded facilities ensure it can provide long-term care for this and other rescued seals.