Due to the recent inclement weather and rough seas the GSPCA have been struggling to source enough fish to feed the six seal pups that are rehabilitating at the GSPCA.
An Urgent Fish Appeal went out and we received some wonderful donations from local fisherman, individuals and companies but we have to say a huge thanks to Solent Clams Ltd.
When fish supplies were desperately low the team at the GSPCA contacted almost everyone they could think of.
GSPCA Manager Steve Byrne contacted a very good old friend of his Mike Ward who ran the RSPCA Ark in Portsmouth for many decades and although in retirement.
Mike had run one of the biggest RSPCA rescues in the UK was amazing in calling around suppliers and fisherman along the South coast and when he spoke to Solent Clams Ltd they were keen to help.
Mike passed on their details to Steve at the GSPCA and within days Solent Clams Ltd had sent over 114kg of fresh mackerel and 78kgs of herring and the quality of the fish is outstanding and we cannot explain how grateful we are to the wonderful team at Solent Clams Ltd who provided the fish at cost.
Due to the quantity we have to say another special mention to local Guernsey firm Manor Farm Foods who have helped in the transport and transport of the fish for free.
Steve Byrne GSPCA Manager said “Earlier this month we were really worried about our fish stocks to feed the six seal pups here at the GSPCA.”
“The two seals from Jersey and 4 from Guernsey need 20 to 40 fish a day and ideally mackerel and herring but due to weeks of rough seas we were really struggling to find enough stock to fatten them up to get them ready for the wild.”
“When they arrived they were all just 20-30% of their body weight that they should have been for various reasons for illness to being separated from their mothers far to early, so were all close to death when rescued.”
“When the fish stocks we had were in days in running out we tried contacting people and businesses far and wide and I have to say a huge thank you to a very good friend Mike Ward that use to run the RSPCA in Portsmouth.”
“As I knew he lived on the South coast enjoying his retirement I thought he may have a few contacts, but he did much more than that ringing around and finding the very helpful Solent Clams Ltd.”
“I spoke to Duarte Goncalves from Solent Clams Ltd who was a real star in helping source and arrange transport for 200kgs of fresh fish which were of fantastic quality.”
“All of the seals love the fish that were supplied and you can see Marty who was from Jersey tucking into one in the attached picture.”
“A huge that’s to Solent Clams Ltd who got the delivery just as we were running out of stock.”
“Thankfully the seas are a bit more calm and our normal suppliers can help but for anyone wanting to donate to help feed the seals please visithttps://giving.gg/donate/event/4617/Help-the-seal-pups-at-the-GSPCA or www.justgiving.com/fundraising/jerseyandguernseysealpups call 01481 257261 or pop into the Shelter at the GSPCA, Rue des Truchots, St Andrews, Guernsey GY6 8UD.”
“We must also thank Manor Farm Foods that have helped with the storage and transport of the fish.”
“For those that can donate fish for the seals we ideally use herring or mackerel but other sea fish do help but they need have been caught in the last three months.”
Duarte Goncalves from Solent Clams Ltd who are based in Portsmouth said “We were delighted to be able to help the 6 seal pups at the GSPCA.”
“When we got the call from Mr Ward we were keen to help and so happy they are enjoying the fish.”
Geoff George GSCA Head of Marine Mammals said “We were reaqlly worried about our fish supplies having the six seals, but must say a huge thanks to all that have supported us and donated what they could to help Hannah, Mambo, Sealia, Gully, Andy and Marty.”
“A special thank you to Solent Clams Ltd as the 200kgs of fish they have sent the seals are really enjoying.”
“It won’t be long before Marty is back in the wild and hopefully the others too.”
Steve continued “We are lucky to have the facilities we have for the seal pups but we are currently fund raising for a new Wildlife Hospital which would be the first of its kind in the Channel islands.”
“The planning permission has just been passed and we are appealing for support for not only feeding the seal pups but also this much needed facility.”
“To find out more on how you can Buy a Brick, donate or support parts or the whole project please visit http://www.gspca.org.gg/blog/full-planning-notification-proposed-wildlife-hospital-gspca-%E2%80%93-please-donate-help-build-become-r .”
To visit the Manor Food Farm website please visit – http://www.manorfarmfoodsonline.com/
To visit the Solent Clams Ltd website please visit - https://solentclams.co.uk/
To donate to Hannah, Mambo, Sealia, Gully, Andy and Marty the seal pups please visit - https://giving.gg/donate/event/4617/Help-the-seal-pups-at-the-GSPCA or www.justgiving.com/fundraising/jerseyandguernseysealpups
You can donate via our giving.gg page or create your own sponsored event or challenge - https://giving.gg/donate/charity/2/Guernsey-Society-for-the-Prevention-of-Cruelty-to-Animals-(GSPCA)
To donate to help Harley the staffys life saving operations Just Giving page please visit - https://giving.gg/donate/event/4622/Please-help-Harley-s-operation-and-care
To visit the Just Giving page raising funds for life saving Intensive Care Units please visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/gspcaintensivecare or to buy one directly for the Shelter please visit https://brinsea.co.uk/small-animal-care/tlc-intensive-care-incubators/tlc-30-advance/
To become an Angel Pen Pal Sponsor please visit - http://www.gspca.org.gg/sites/default/files/Angel%20sponsor%20form%20special%202018%20new.pdf
To download a Corporate Angel Pen Pal form please click here http://www.gspca.org.gg/sites/default/files/Corporate%20Angel%20Pen%20Pal%20sponsor%20formnew.pdf
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
To learn about the ‘Buy a Brick’ in the new Wildlife Hospital and find out more please click here - http://www.gspca.org.gg/blog/gspca-launch-buy-brick-proposed-new-wildlife-hospital
To learn more about our biggest project, become an Exclusive Build Partner and support our Wildlife Hospital please visit http://www.gspca.org.gg/page/gspca-exclusive-build-partner
To donate to the animals in our care another via our paypal page - www.paypal.me/DonateGSPCA
If you would like to help at one of our upcoming events please give Michelle a call on 257261 or email [email protected]
To see some of the animals looking for homes at the GSPCA please visit – http://www.gspca.org.gg/animals
Another way to support us is our on site Charity Shop and refreshment area and to find out more please visit - http://www.gspca.org.gg/page/gspca-onsite-charity-shop
If your group or business would like to find out about spending a day at the Shelter please go to -
http://www.gspca.org.gg/about/corporate-and-group-days
For other ways your business can help us here at the GSPCA please go to -
http://www.gspca.org.gg/about/how-your-business-can-help-gspca-corporate-sponsorship
On Wednesday 10th April we have a volunteer induction evening and for more information and additional induction dates please visit http://gspca.org.gg/about/volunteers or call 257261
To see our upcoming guided tours please visit - http://www.gspca.org.gg/services/guided-tours-gspca
To see our Wish List on our website please visit - http://www.gspca.org.gg/about/our-plans-wish-list
To visit our Amazon Wish list please visit - https://www.amazon.co.uk/hz/wishlist/ls/25MJPPDAGXHL1?type=WishList
For lots more ideas on how you can support the shelter and the animals in our care then please visit our fundraising page www.gspca.org.gg/fundraising
To find out more on trips, talks and our education work please email [email protected] or call 01481 257261
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