A seal stranded in a park for almost a week was "close to death".

The male pup is being treated for pneumonia at Burnham House Veterinary Surgery, but he's recovering since being captured yesterday.

He was first spotted in Pencester Gardens in Dover last Thursday.

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But he proved to be a slippery creature, as rescue crews struggled to catch him and take him to safety.

The mammal drummed up a lot of support over the past few days, with many onlookers watching as the unsuccessful rescue attempts unfolded.

VIDEO: Sammy is recovering but vet Jeremy Stattersfield says he could have died.

A message posted on the Burnham House Veterinary Surgery Facebook page last night said: "Dover's seal pup update! We are pleased to announce that our team of vet Jeremy and RVN (veterinary nurse) Laura have this evening safely captured the stranded seal pup from the river Dour in Pencester Gardens.

"The little chap is undergoing assessment and is definitely somewhat worse for his time in the river.

"However we are hoping that with veterinary care, he will recover well and eventually be able to be released back to the sea.

"Please everyone keep your fingers crossed for the little chap! For now he is settled for the night and we will keep you updated as we know more!"

Vets, police and RSPCA teams were initially called after concerns were raised about youths throwing stones at the seal.

He has since been seen swimming in the River Dour and casually laying on the banks.

Vet Jeremy Stattersfield previously warned that if he was not caught, he might not survive.

Earlier this week, an RSPCA spokesman said: "It's not uncommon for seals to venture up rivers away from the sea and at present this seal appears to be doing well."

Yesterday, KentOnline gave readers the chance to name the seal, with Sammy proving the most popular in our poll.