Wild Weather affects its first seal pup of 2014 in Guernsey
Submitted by GSPCA on 11:54, 9th Jan, 2014 |
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Yesterday the GSPCA received calls along the south coast of a Grey Seal Pup which was first we believe seen in L'Eree.
At 4pm we had a call from Jamie Hooper who's from conservation group La Société Guernesiaise which had the pup reported to him at Pezeres Point.
Jamie was concerned for the pup and contacted us here at the GSPCA where we launched the rescue.
Geoff George Animal Collection Officer and Sarah Creasey the Education and Welfare Officer attended the scene where they found a very thin 3 week old grey seal pup.
The pup who was quite high up on the beach was restrained and quickly placed into a make shift stretcher and transported to the near by GSPCA Ambulance.
By 5.30pm the seal who has been fondly named Trinity was back at the Shelter, weighed, tube fed a hydration fluid, checked over and made comfortable.
Unfortunately Trinity who should be over 40kg only weighed 18.8kg and without doubt the weather will have played a major part in such a huge loss of weight.
Thankfully Trinity has no major injuries or infections but does need feeding up before being released back to the wild.
Geoff George said 'Trinity isn't the worse case of a thin seal pup we've seen but with the weather as it is and only being 18.8kg then the poor pup is unlikely to have lasted long.'
'It was nearly a year ago today when we rescued Hanois the grey seal pup of a similar age nearly in the same spot.'
'Trinity has done well through the first night and we are hopeful that the pup will be strong enough to rehabilitate and get back to the wild when fit enough which could take at least 6 to 8 weeks.'
Steve Byrne GSPCA Manager said 'Trinity is lucky to have been spotted and reported as the recent weather has been extremely unkind to our wildlife.'
'Geoff and the team here have looked after dozens of seals over the years so Trinity is in good hands and in fact Hanois and Jethou Bumblebee who were rescued and released in 2013 from the Shelter were both seen a number of times after their release which was the first time we have rescued, rehabilitated and released two seal pups from the Shelter and it is wonderful to know they are doing so well back in the wild.'
'Although not on fish for a few days we are appealing for any donations as we will need to get a lot of weight onto Trinity and this will involve hundreds of mackerel or herring and every little will make a huge difference.'
To donate to Trinitys Big Fish Appeal please call 01481 257261, pop along to the Animal Shelter in St Andrews, by post or by clicking the link below.
We will of course keep you up to date with Trinitys progress and keep your eyes open for pictures and videos.
If anyone see's a pup with or without a mum we really do appreciate a call so that we are aware of its location and condition but here is some advice.
A healthy pup looks like a big, stuffed maggot without a neck. However, a thin pup looks sleek (but not bony) and has a visible neck, like a healthy dog.
PLEASE DO NOT TOUCH THE SEAL. They can give a nasty bite, which will become infected by bacteria that live in a seal’s mouths.
Note: Do not allow dogs or other animals to harass a seal.
If a Seal is scared back into the water, it could then be washed out to sea by strong currents and be lost. You should not put a seal pup back in the sea as it may get into difficulty.
If a Seal pup is sick, thin or injured then we would ask you to contact the GSPCA immediately on 01481 257261 day or night
When reporting an injured, sick or abandoned seal to the GSPCA, please make sure you are able to supply the following information:
Exact location; nearest town / village
Position on the beach, and state of the tide
How long you have observed the pup; any disturbance / risk to it; whether the mother has been seen
Any wounds / obvious signs of illness
Length/colour/condition.
Caution:- Handling of any animal either domestic, wild, dead or alive may be potentially hazardous. Obvious dangers include bites, scratches and general hygiene issues. Common sense should be applied in all instances and, if unsure, seek additional advice or assistance. Personal hygiene should be taken into consideration after handling any animal, whether it’s domestic, wild, dead or alive.
To see some of the previous stories follow the links below
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South Show - Come see our stall at this wonderful annual event
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22nd December 2014
Guernsey Christmas Term Break starts
Sunday 14th December 2014
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