Today at the GSPCA for the first time Pebble the Guernsey seal pup rescued earlier this year and Andrew from Jersey who came in November 2018 got to meet.
The States of Guernsey last week issued advice that two households could come together and here at the GSPCA Andrew and Pebble are now able to share their pools, expanding their social bubbles.
Both pups are doing extremely well, although we continue to appeal for donations to help feed them and the other animals at the GSPCA with our #GuernseyCoronavirusCrisisAppeal which you can donate online via https://giving.gg/donate/event/5876/GSPCA-Coronavirus-Emergency-Appeal
Geoff George GSPCA Ambulance Officer and Head of Marine Mammals said “Today for the first time Pebbles and Andrew the seal pups got to meet each other properly.”
“Pebbles was rescued here in Guernsey in February and is doing extremely well.”
“Andrew was one of the youngest ever seal pups and came from Jersey in November 2018 and we have had some real challenges with his progress up until recently and he is now nearly ready for release.”
“Both pups have been able to see one another at a social distance but this is the first time their bubbles have come together.”
“After a little bit of splashing they soon calmed down and it looks like they will be good friends which will mean hopefully we can release them together very soon.”
Steve Byrne GSPCA Manager said “I’m not sure if Deputy Heidi Soulsby, Deputy Gavin St Pier and Dr Nicola Brink would realise that their advice on expanding bubbles would reach the seal pups at the GSPCA but today Pebbles and Andrew who have been socially distancing came together.”
"It's an especially special moment as it brings a Jersey and Guernsey seal together for the first time at the GSPCA."
“This is great news for both seal pups as when it comes to their release we know from past releases the pups often stay together for some time after.”
"We would normally return Jersey seal pups back to their waters but with the social distancing rules this is extremely unlikely and getting them to become friends gives them a better chance when they are released together."
“Andrew has had the longest ever road to recovery for a seal pup at the GSPCA as he has so many issues but in recent months has progressed to now being so close to being able to be released and now with his new friend Pebble who is also doing well they both could soon be back in the wild increasing their social bubbles further in the weeks to come.”
“Animals arriving at the GSPCA often have to be socially distanced from others and after a period of isolation to prevent the spread of disease and to monitor their behaviour and then we look to increase their bubbles if it is safe and appropriate to do so.”
“We feed each seal pup around 15-20 fresh fish a day and really need support during these very difficult times and you can donate towards feeding them and the other 300 animals in our care through our #GuernseyCoronavirusCrisisAppeal via https://giving.gg/donate/event/5876/GSPCA-Coronavirus-Emergency-Appeal .”
“You can also donate by calling 01481 257261 or through the post GSPCA, Rue des Truchots, St Andrews, Guernsey, GY6 8UD, please don’t come to the Shelter at this time with the current restrictions in place unless absolutely essential and please call first.”
“Thankfully we are through seal pup season now but there are many baby birds being found and where possible they are always best raised by their parents and for advice on what to do you can always call us 24/7on 01481 257261 or check our advice online via http://www.gspca.org.gg/animals/wildlife-advice .”
“Thank you to everyone that has been donating to our #GuernseyCoronavirusCrisisAppeal and towards the care of the seal pups and we will of course keep you up to date on how they get on.”
In line with States of Guernsey advice please DO NOT visit the GSPCA if you are over 65, have an underlying health condition or have any symptoms of Coronavirus and only visit us if your visit is essential but before doing so please call us on 01481 257261 or email [email protected] before your trip to the GSPCA to see if we can help without you coming to the Shelter. For the latest information and advice please visit http://www.gspca.org.gg/search/node/coronavirus
With huge challenges on our resources and a drop in income from boarding and donations please help us help animals in Guernsey with our #GSPCACoronavirusCrisisAppeal by donating online via - https://giving.gg/donate/event/5876/GSPCA-Coronavirus-Emergency-Appeal
During these difficult times help us help animals in need. From donating to Sponsoring a Pen, Buying a Brick for the much needed Wildlife Hospital to our Amazon and main page Wish List, holding a mufti day to a sponsored Christmas dip, here are some of the ways you could help give animals joy.
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 see a list of our volunteer induction evenings which we hold each month and for more information please visit http://gspca.org.gg/about/volunteers or call 257261
To find out more on trips, talks and our education work please email [email protected] or call 01481 257261
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