GSPCA Purple Month – Seal Pups Luna C from Guernsey and Aurora from Jersey released back to the wild on our 150th anniversary

After more than a years worth of care Jersey seal pup Aurora and Guernsey seal pup Luna C were released back into the waters where they belong on the GSPCA’s 150^th anniversary.

Steve Byrne GSPCA Manager said “This afternoon on our 150^th anniversary we had a very special release when we got Aurora and Luna C the grey seal pups back to the wild.”

“Aurora was rescued in Jersey in October 2021 which was last season and also Luna C in Guernsey in December 2021 and both were less than half their body weight and extremely poorly when they arrived.”

“They have had a long road to get better and it was so nice to see them back where they belong.”

"As it was special moment and day 9 of the team went down to help with the release but it wasn't easy going as Geoff will tell you."

"As well as our 150th it is Valentines Day and once both pups were in they did what looked like give each other a kiss."

“The other 6 pups Henny, Shakespeare, Emilia, Echo, Hector and Cleopatra rescued this season continue to do well and improve daily.”

“With 6 seal pups we are going through many fish each day and there are many ways to support their care from donating online to supporting GSPCA Purple Month as we celebrate 150 years heling seals and other animals in Guernsey.”

“To get involved and find out more check out the link https://www.gspca.org.gg/page/gspca-celebrating-150-years .”

To donate to the care of the seals and our work please visit - https://giving.gg/donate/charity/2/Guernsey-Society-for-the-Prevention-of-Cruelty-to-Animals-(GSPCA)

Geoff George Head of Marine Mammals at the GSPCA said “Each seal pup we rescue takes different lengths of time and with Aurora and Luna C they took much longer than normal to get up to a healthy weight and we also needed some fair weather which hasn’t happened much recently as we don’t like to release them when it is stormy.”

“It was great after such a long time to get them back into the wild.”

"It wasn't easy though as Luna C really didn't want to leave and took the longest time of all the pups to go into the large tansport carrier."

“We have never had such a busy seal pup season and never have we had 8 pups at one time like we have had this year.”

“The other seals are doing well and we may have another couple to release soon but in the 6 there are some that will take quite some time like Henny who only recently arrived.”

“Of all the seal pups Shakespeare who was rescued in Jersey is without doubt the loudest seal pup we have ever had.”

“We are fund raising for the new much needed Wildlife Hospital which will have bigger pools and more space and please if you can donate to help us build this.”

Steve continued “In the last decade with todays release we have rescued and released 25 grey seal pups back into the wild and the 6 in our care and keeping us very busy.”

 “The recent rough weather caused many wildlife casualties and when around the coast to keep a close eye for other poorly animals.”

"We have some great web pages with advice on what to do if you see a seal pup which are being born at this time of year or oiled birds, although we are only a call away on 257261."

"With young seal pups the main piece of advice is to please not approach them as you can scare their mother away and if you see one to please call us on 257261 and we can make sure they are safe or give advice."

"For those out with dogs please don't let them approach seal pups as this can scare their mothers off and if they were to bite your dog and cause a nasty injury."

"As well as wildlife we have to ensure our own pets and animals are safe and secure with the high winds as we often see dogs escaping from gates being blown open to farm animals escaping."

“The pup season is now here and if you do see a seal pup please do give us a call on 257261 or send a few pictures via our facebook or [email protected] so we can monitor them.”

“For advice on what to do and how to identify a sick seal pup check out our advice page http://www.gspca.org.gg/animal/seal-advice “

“There are many ways to support our work and the seal pups from making a donation towards their care to donating or helping towards the new much needed Wildlife Hospital.”

“To make a donation to help the seals in our care please go to https://giving.gg/donate/charity/2/Guernsey-Society-for-the-Prevention-of-Cruelty-to-Animals-(GSPCA)  .”

“You can also donate by calling  01481 257261, by post to GSPCA, Rue des Truchots, St Andrews, Guernsey GY6 8UD or popping up to the Shelter in St Andrews.”

“To make a direct donation to the Wildlife Hospital please visit - https://giving.gg/donate/event/4618/Please-Support-the-GSPCA-Wildlife-Hospital-Appeal .”

“To Buy a Brick in the new Wildlife Hospital and download a leaflet please click here - Buy a Brick for Christmas and help us build a Wildlife Hospital in Guernsey | GSPCA Guernsey .”

“Larger donors or corporates may want to make a larger donation and become an Exclusive Build Partner and to find out more please visit - http://www.gspca.org.gg/page/gspca-exclusive-build-partner .”

To see videos of the seal pups please check out GSPCA Guernsey - YouTube

Here is a table of the seals we have helped back to the wild and those in our care -

To see some of the previous stories about seals please click here http://www.gspca.org.gg/blog/tag/seals .

Some grey seal facts -

• Population numbers since 1960s have doubled
• A grey seal pup weighs 14kg at birth
• A grey seal pup mothers milk contains 60% fat
• Grey seals can dive to a depth of 70m
• Another name for a grey seal is the horsehead seal
• Grey seals are found in the waters surrounding Europe, Russia, North America, and Channel Islands
• Grey seals can be found in estuaries, inter tidal zones, brackish water, polar and shallow seas
• There are 18 known species of seal in the world
• Many sick seal pups need tube feeding every 2-3 hours day and night on arrival
• The seal pups in our care once eating will consume 20-30 herring or mackerel each day
• We aim for a release weight in excess of 40 kg, with good weather and a remote location
• The GSPCA has returned 23 seals back to the wild in the last ten years

For advice on what to do if you see or find sick or injured wildlife please visit http://www.gspca.org.gg/animals/wildlife-advice or call 01481 257261

Donate

Donate by calling  01481 257261, by post to GSPCA, Rue des Truchots, St Andrews, Guernsey GY6 8UD or online https://giving.gg/donate/charity/2/Guernsey-Society-for-the-Prevention-of-Cruelty-to-Animals-(GSPCA)

GSPCA Celebrates 150 years in 2023

In February the GSPCA launch GSPCA Purple Month where we kick off our 150 year celebrations and to find out more please check out https://www.gspca.org.gg/page/gspca-celebrating-150-years

Sponsored Event

Why not create your own sponsored event or challenge - https://giving.gg/donate/charity/2/Guernsey-Society-for-the-Prevention-of-Cruelty-to-Animals-(GSPCA)

For lots more ideas why not visit our fundraising page www.gspca.org.gg/fundraising

Wish List

Check out our wish list page from the smallest of items to our biggest of projects there are many ways to support us - http://www.gspca.org.gg/about/our-plans-wish-list

To visit our Amazon Wish list to see some of the items we need to help the wildlife please visit - https://www.amazon.co.uk/hz/wishlist/ls/25MJPPDAGXHL1?type=WishList

GSPCA Wildlife Hospital Appeal

To make a direct donation please visit - https://giving.gg/donate/event/4618/Please-Support-the-GSPCA-Wildlife-Hospital-Appeal

To Buy a Brick in the new Wildlife Hospital and download a leaflet please click here - http://www.gspca.org.gg/sites/default/files/Buy%20a%20Brick%20Wildlife%20Hospital.pdf

Larger donors or corporates may want to make a larger donation and become an Exclusive Build Partner and to find out more please visit - http://www.gspca.org.gg/page/gspca-exclusive-build-partner

Legacies & Bequests

By leaving a gift to the GSPCA in your Will really helps us to improve the lives of animals into the future.  After providing for those you care for, please consider leaving a proportion of what remains to the GSPCA it is so appreciated and makes a real lasting legacy.

A gift like this to the GSPCA ensures our animals and those in Guernsey will always have someone to keep them safe. To find out more please http://www.gspca.org.gg/about/gifts-wills-and-funding 

Gift Aid on Donations over £500

To find out about the States of Guernsey tax relief information on gift aid up to 2020 on donations totalling between £500 and £5000 please see the details by going to https://www.gov.gg/CHttpHandler.ashx?id=2617&p=0

2021 gift aid is from £500 and up to £7500 and here are the details - https://www.gov.gg/article/151830/Income-tax-relief

To download the form to claim for 2020 or before please follow this link https://www.gov.gg/CHttpHandler.ashx?id=1994&p=0

Become a sponsor and GSPCA member

Why become an Angel Pen Pal Sponsor and support our work each month please visit - http://www.gspca.org.gg/sites/default/files/Angel%20sponsor%20form%20special%202018%20new.pdf

To become a Corporate Angel Pen Pal form for your business to sponsor animals in our care each year please click here http://www.gspca.org.gg/sites/default/files/Corporate%20Angel%20Pen%20Pal%20sponsor%20formnew.pdf  

Share our posts and follow us on social media

Many of you will have seen us on social media and your support liking and sharing our posts is really appreciated, and to visit our social media pages please go to

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/GuernseySPCA

Twitter https://twitter.com/GSPCA

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/gspca-guernsey-965b0751/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/gspca_guernsey/

Subscribe to our Supporters Newsletter

To subscribe to our supporters newsletter and find out about upcoming events and news please go to https://us14.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=9324335c87c8b3ec9f0016f2a&id=e61c951a08

Below are our usual opening times but these are occasionally adjusted to ensure we provide the best of care for the animals and those needing our 24/7 help, in an emergency please call 01481 257261

Upcoming Events we are at and need your help -

1^st – 28^th February – GSPCA Purple Month – a time to celebrate the GSPCA 150 years – Are you supporting the GSPCA next year when we celebrate our 150th year? Here are a few ways you could get involved | GSPCA Guernsey

February is also Responsible Animal Guardian Month

Founding Day of the GSPCA Tuesday 14^th February 2023 – GSPCA Dog First aid Course

Wednesday 15^th February 2023 – GSPCA Cat First aid Course

Wednesday 22^nd February 2023 – National Wildlife Day

Thursday 23^rd February - International Dog Biscuit Appreciation Day

Wednesday 29^th March 2023 - Volunteer Induction Evening

March 2023 – Adopt a Rescue Guinea Pig Month

Friday 3^rd March 2023 - World Wildlife Day

18^th – 19^th March 2023 GSPCA have a stall with Guernsey Arts and Guernsey Museums for “Guernsey’s Wild Escape”, part of the Art Fund UK wide initiative “The Wild Escape”

Wednesday 22^nd March - International Day of the Seal

Thursday 23^rd March 2023 – National Puppy Day

April 2023 – Easter Virtual Pet Show

Sunday 2^nd April – National Ferret Day

Tuesday 4^th April 2023 – World Rat Day

Tuesday 25^th April 2023 – World Penguin Day

April 2022 Autism Guernsey and GSPCA Puffin Parade Launch – Date to be Confirmed https://puffinparade.org.gg/

April 2023 – AGM – Date to be Confirmed

May 2023 - International Respect for Chickens Month

7^th May 2023 EDABL Seafront Sunday

Friday 12^th May to Friday 19^th May GSPCA 150^th Year Cupcake Week

Sunday 21^st May 2023 150^th Year Celebrations & Animal Welfare Seafront Sunday

Tuesday 23^rd May 2023 International Turtle Day

Tuesday 30^th May – International Hug Your Cat Day

Wednesday 31^st May 2023 - Volunteer Induction Evening

June 2023 – National Microchipping Month

June 2023 – 150^th Year Sponsored Dog Walk – Date to be Confirmed

4^th June 2023 Arts Seafront Sunday

10^th June 2023 Saffrey Rotary Walk https://safferyrotarywalk.org.gg/

Summer 2023 – Summer Sunday Family Lunch

Wednesday 14^th June 2023 – World Sea Turtle Day

Sunday 25^th June 2023 – Guernsey Charities Fete

25^th June 2023 EDABL Seafront Sunday

Friday 23^rd June 2023 - Take Your Dog To Work Day

June 26^th to July 3^rd 2023 – National Rabbit Week

Wednesday 12^th July 2023 – Volunteer Induction Evening

Sunday 16^th July 2023 – World Snake Day

6^th August 2023 EDABL Seafront Sunday

13^th August 2023 EDABL Seafront Sunday

Monday 14^th August 2023 – World Lizard Day

August 2023 – West Show

August 2023 – North Show

September 2023 - World Animal Remembrance Month

GSPCA 150^th Year Ball – Date to be Confirmed

24^th September 2023 St Johns Ambulance Seafront Sunday

Wednesday 13^th September 2023 - Volunteer Induction Evening

October 2023 - World Animal Month

Wednesday 4^th October 2023 - World Animal Day

Wednesday 25^th October 2023 - Volunteer Induction Evening

Wednesday 8^th November 2023 – GSPCA Dog First aid Course

Wednesday 15^th November 2023 – GSPCA Cat First aid Course

Wednesday 22^nd November 2023 – Volunteer Induction Evening

Monday 4^th December 2023 – World Wildlife Conservation Day

Many more events will be added and dates to be confirmed and if you have any events or ideas to celebrate our 150 years please get in touch…………..