A newborn seal pup, likely just two to four days old, was discovered crawling among parked cars at the site of an illegal rave in the Netherlands.
The baby still had his umbilical cord still attached, confirming he was extremely young.
Police broke up the event in Borgsweer, Groningen, around 3 AM. Around 100–200 partygoers were scattered across the area. As law enforcement shut off the sound system and cleared the grounds, they spotted the pup near some vehicles.
A volunteer from the Zeehondencentrum Pieterburen arrived to care for the animal. The seal pup is smaller than average but in good health.
Staff suspect the pup and his mother had sought rest on land after coming ashore from the Wadden Sea. However, the loud music likely frightened the mother, leaving the pup orphaned.
Visitors of the illegal party reportedly held the pup before authorities intervened. They were concerned and contacted the animal ambulance, which then passed the case to the seal center in Pieterburen.
The seal will be nourished and monitored until he is ready to return to the wild.
The seal center urges the public to respect wildlife by keeping distance, avoiding interference, and reporting vulnerable animals to wildlife rescue helpers.
This unusual incident shows how human activity in natural areas, like loud festivals or late-night events, can pose unexpected risks to local wildlife, especially species that use beaches for resting and birthing.
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