Proof that rehabilitating seals works

Hand-reared seal Skippy has beaten the sceptics

02.11.11

Research proves that rehabilitated common seals do return to the wild without any adverse effects. They can swim and dive just as well as normal healthy wild seals.

 

The important research was carried out in collaboration by staff at our East Winch Wildlife Centre and scientists from the Sea Mammal Research Unit, University of St Andrews, Scotland. 

Scientific evidence backs seal rehabilitation

Although those involved in nursing sick and injured seals back to full health at the wildlife centre were always convinced this was the right course of action, there were some sceptics who questioned whether a rehabilitated seal would survive as well as a wild seal.

Alison Charles, manager at East Winch Wildlife Centre, said:
 

We have always done everything possible to return sick and injured seals back into the wild, and give them the best chance of survival once released, but until now we have never had the scientific evidence to back this work up.

We funded this vital research because we felt it was really important to show people that these seals deserve a second chance and that rehabilitation does work.

Remotely monitoring the seals' health

Satellite transmitters were glued to the fur on the back of six rehabilitated harbour seals. Including Skippy, a seal who was hand-reared at the centre.

The transmitters, provided by the Sea Mammal Research Unit (SMRU), collected and relayed detailed information about Skippy and the other seals every day for six months or so after their release.

For the first time experts could remotely monitor the seals’ health and not just the fact that they were alive. Much the same as NHS patients being sent home with heart monitors.

Alison added:

Previous research had always shown that seals did survive after release, but it never gave an indication as to how well they were surviving and coping.

Through this study we can clearly see that our rehabilitated seals could dive just as well as wild seals and this was a clear indicator of their health and strength when back in the open waters.

The paper co-authored by Bernie McConnell, of the Sea Mammal Research Unit, at Marine Mammal Science concluded:
 

The important finding here is that on release all rehabilitated animals immediately demonstrated diving capabilities that persisted during their tracking periods. And they were similar to capabilities in apparently healthy adults.

The findings also found that Skippy and the other rehabilitated seal pups did travel significant distances once they were released.

 

Skippy's story

Skippy, a harbour seal, was rescued from the beach at Bacton, Norfolk. She weighed only 12.5 kilograms, about the weight of a gold bar.

She arrived at noon, and was then checked over by a vet. It was revealed that the roof of Skippy's mouth was ulcerated, she had multiple infected wounds on her neck and hind flippers.

For the first 24 hours a poorly Skippy had 400 millilitres of Lectade (an oral rehydration solution). This was given every three hours through a tube into her stomach.

Over the next few days the quantity of the Lectade in the hand-fed solution was reduced and replaced with more fish soup. Once Skippy was onto full fish soup wildlife centre staff slowly introduced herring. At first she had to be force fed them, but she was soon able to take them and eat on her own.

Now Skippy could eat unassisted it was time she found a roommate. She was moved from her own isolation cubicle and was put in with Hercules to give her company. Their new enclosure gave them access to a shallow pool at all times.

As Skippy improved and gained weight she was able to move to a deeper outside pool with four more seals to exercise and gain fitness in preparation for release.

Back to the wild

Skippy was released into the wash with Shrek and Nemo. She had a total of 155 days, approximately five months, of hospitalisation. When she was released she weighed a healthier 32 kilograms. 

 

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East Winch Wildlife Centre is one of four RSPCA wildlife centres carrying out vital wildlife rehabilitation for sick and injured wild animals.

 

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