First common seal pups arrive at East Winch

Public advised not to handle pups and just keep watch

01.07.11

The first two common seal pups of the season have arrived at our East Winch Wildlife Centre, and staff are hoping that this year's intake does not match 2010's unprecedented numbers.

The seal pups, who have been named Mary Rose and Scylla, were both found at the fishing fleet in King's Lynn, Norfolk.
 

Mary Rose (pictured right) was found on Thursday, 23 June and Scylla was found the next day.

Both seal pups were emaciated, but are currently doing well.

They will both need constant care before they are strong enough to return to the wild.
 

Number of seals doubled at East Winch last year

Last year the wildlife centre in East Winch, near King's Lynn, dealt with a staggering 121 common seals, a significant increase on previous years.

Centre manager, Alison Charles, said it is not known why last year saw such record numbers, but that staff are already preparing for the next batch of common seals to come in.

She said:

This time of year sees the start of the common seal season. Last year we had 121 common seals in and we are hoping this year the numbers will not be quite as high.

Seal pups need an incredible amount of care to ensure they are fit enough to return to the wild and this involves three-hourly feeds, together with careful nursing and monitoring, because they are normally very dehydrated and emaciated on arrival at the centre.

For the seals which are extremely poorly, we place them on a drip when they first arrive in the hope of combating their dehydration.

They are also given regular feeds to address the emaciation and, as with all starving animals, the feeds have to be little and often.

 

What to do if you come across a seal 

A large percentage of common seal pups are found in the marshes on the edges of The Wash on the east coast. Last year pups came from all along the Norfolk coast from Terrington to Caister.

Within an hour of being born, a common seal pup can be in the water with its mum and it is during this crucial time that it can be separated from her in strong currents.

Alison explained how the public can play their part in helping the common seals, especially the pups, by not rushing in to save a seal that may appear stranded, and instead just keep a watchful eye on it.

The public are amazingly supportive and helpful when it comes to stranded seals, but we would just remind them to err on the side of caution.

If you do find a small common pup on the beach, we would urge you not to pick it up, but to observe the pup from a distance, just in case its mum returns.

You should also ensure that you keep dogs and people away from it.

We would urge you to ring us if you feel the seal is in need of extra help or if you want further advice. Our national call centre is open 24/7 so please ring 0300 1234 999.

You can learn more about what to do with orphaned and injured wild animals in our wildlife pages.

 

How you can support East Winch

Sponsor a seal 

If you would like to help with the rehabilitation of seals at East Winch ready for their release back to the wild, including Mary Rose and Scylla, you can sign up to their Sponsor a seal programme.

It costs £20 to sponsor a seal and in exchange you:

• choose the seal you'd like to sponsor
   
• get a photo and certificate of your chosen seal
   
• receive information and updates on your seal's rehabilitation, from arrival to release.

Come to East Winch's open day

On Sunday, 10 July, our East Winch Wildlife Centre will be hosting an open day between 10am and 4pm, giving visitors a rare chance to see behind the scenes and talk to staff.

There will also be games, competitions, demonstrations and a barbecue. Admission is £2 for adults and £1 for children.

To sponsor a seal, or for more information about the open day at East Winch, please contact:

RSPCA East Winch Wildlife Centre

Telephone: 0300 123 0709

Email: eastwinch@rspca.org.uk
 

We can't do it without you. Thank you for your support.