Getting the Royal Seal of Approval!

Seal training at East Winch is all part of the training programme for new staff, as although they appear cute in the pictures they are actually quiet dangerous and can do serious damage.  We started with a tour, we met some of the seals; Kate Middleton, Prince Harry and a familiar face from Stapeley, and now a lot bigger, Prince William (can you tell what the theme is at the moment!).

 

We spent a lot of time observing to start with but soon enough, it was then our turn!  We started with the smallest, you would think that would be easy but nooo... they are still very strong and wriggly.  In some cases the larger seals were easier to restrain, I think being trained in contortion would have been an advantage!

 

Another part of our training was using a stretcher to catch and weigh seals to monitor their progress.   We finished the day with some more tube feeding, as they say ‘practice makes perfect’

Our time with the East Winch seals had come to an end.  Although we left with aching arms and legs, it has been great, a very informative experience.   Although we do not get too many seals at Stapeley, all staff need to know how to handle seals properly.  We still have lots to learn but this experience has been a fantastic introduction.

Supporters of Stapeley Grange Wildlife Centre

Festive thank you to our volunteers

The Volunteers Christmas party was a fantastic opportunity to say thank you to all those who have generously given their free time and efforts over the year.  They play an essential role on a day to day basis; whether it is working with the animals, fundraising, helping in the office or outside with our maintenance guy, we could not do, what we do, without them!  With centres becoming busier and finances increasingly stretched we need their help more than ever.  

After feasting on a delicious buffet, our Manager (Lee Stewart), thanked those present and those not for all their hard work over the past 12 months and presented awards to a number of long term volunteers.  Some have helped for 5, 10 and even 15 years...now that is dedication.  They have put in so many hours of hard work they really deserve the certificate and medal. 

                           

I then took on the role of quiz master to put our volunteers and staff to the test.  It was a really fun night, seeing staff and volunteers outside the normal working environment.

I can’t thank the volunteers and students enough; I really enjoy working alongside them and getting to know them all.  If you wish to join are extraordinary team of volunteers please contact us: volunteer-stapeley@rspca.org.uk.  I look forward to seeing familiar and new faces next year.  

Supporters of Stapeley Grange Wildlife Centre

Breaking a nail is a serious issue....for a Tawny Owl

I have always said that breaking a nail is a big deal however for a Tawny Owl it has far greater consequences.  A Tawny Owl had incurred relatively minor injuries from being clipped by a car but it arrived at Stapeley a little bit shocked, feathers a little ruffled, a few scraps and a talon missing from a toe on its left foot, a lucky escape by all accounts!

  

      

An x-ray was taken immediately to check for additional internal damage but nothing was found..fantastic news.  Minor wounds were then cleaned and the foot bandaged; he was then allowed to rest in a quiet box which we have available for owls in our isolation wing.  The following day, having had time to rest, the vet checked out his eyes carefully (which can be damaged in RTAs - road traffic accidents) but once passed fit (again - good news) he was flight tested.

Although he flew exceptionally well it was agreed he should be kept inside a little longer so that the talon could heal properly.  A few days later and he has now been transferred out to an aviary where he can prepare for a final release.  The talons obviously play an important role when hunting, so it is important that they are functional.  Imagine trying to dig into a steak with a butter knife!

Sponsors of Stapeley Grange Wildlife Centre