4th March 2008

In February, Raeburn and I visited a very special place – The National Seal Sanctuary. The sanctuary is located in the picturesque coastline of southern Cornwall in a little community called Gweek.

The sanctuary casts its warmth through me as we learnt about their attempts to rescue, rehabilitate and re-release seals. Furthermore, the sanctuary tends to receive unwanted or ill seals from zoos and sea-life centres. I thought I would take this opportunity to promote and praise the sanctuary’s efforts. It does lighten the heart to learn of what others are doing to help wildlife.

Just as we visited, three rescued seal pups were trans-located from the hospital pens to the nursery pool where the three little pups could socialise. The little ones were very noisy, possibly showing their excitement? All rescued seals go through a clinical assessment by a vet and usually are housed in individual hospital pens until the seals gain weight and show signs of recovery when they are then moved to the nursery pool.
The final stage of rehabilitation is the Convalescence Pool, where the seals learn the appropriate behavioural skills necessary for survival in the seas.
Raeburn and I both enjoyed the visit - its beautiful location added to the incredible efforts of the sanctuary in the conservation of seals. 

by Beata

Kucinski Wildlife Foundation Wild News Archives