Helgoland island in the North Sea turns cuddly as grey seals arrive to give birth

Hi! A young grey seal chilling out on a beach on Helgoland in Germany. Grey seals head to the island between November and January to give birth to their pups. — AFP

The birthplace of Germany’s national anthem and a practice-bombing range for British airmen after World War II, Helgoland island in the North Sea turns cuddly at the turn of the year as grey seals arrive to give birth.

The Jordsand society, dedicated to preserving North Sea coastal life, has counted more than 520 births since November.