DNA samples taken to prove seal pups are twins
Image: David Steel
Pups will be the first twins born on the Farne IslandsA pair of seal pups are thought to be the first set of twins born on the Farne Islands, off the Northumberland coast. All will be revealed after DNA samples taken from the young seals are tested.
David Steel, a National Trust ranger, spotted the to two grey seal pups after he had been monitoring a pregnant seal on the islands.
Multiple births in grey seals are rare, and no records have been found to suggest any other twin pups have been born on the islands in the past. DNA samples have been taken to prove these pups are the first.
Mr Steel commented on the new arrivals: "Both are doing well and are close to independence.
"With the help of the Sea Mammal Research Unit, a DNA sample has been taken from both pups so we can prove without doubt that we do have a pair of grey seal twins - the first ever wild documented occurrence.
Both pups are male and as part of the process their body weights were taken, which are hovering around the 31kg mark, so hopefully they are heading towards being a huge success.
Ailsa Hall, acting director of the Sea Mammal Research Unit at the University of St Andrews, said it was "extremely rare" for twins to be born in grey seals and to her knowledge had not been recorded anywhere.
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