The RSPCA’s best animal rescue photos of the year include a seal trapped in a treadmill

The RSPCA released its list of the year’s top animal rescues, to cheer people up in what it said has been a “challenging year.”

When workers arrived at a gym equipment warehouse in Llanelli, Wales, they were surprised to find a gray seal pup, trapped between treadmills. The seal, which is thought to have reached the warehouse by traveling up a nearby river, was transported back to the water, and later taken to a wildlife center.

Meanwhile, a young fox got more than he bargained for when he fancied a drink — the animal was discovered by RSPCA staff with a watering can on his head, which officers had to pull free using Vaseline as lubricant.