Winter...tis often a
much calmer and quieter affair here at Stapeley. A time for doing jobs we are often too busy
to do during spring and summer. A time of catching up, tidying up, stocking up.
A time to restore, reorganise and
recharge. But this year our winter serenity has been short lived...we have had
the calm before the storm...literally.
If you have read or
seen the news recently, you will probably be aware of the terrible storm surges
which happened recently in Norfolk, resulting in vast numbers of grey seal pups
being washed up, washed out and separated from their mums. The RSPCA East Winch
branch is currently caring for 100 grey seal pups! One hundred!!! Here at
Stapeley, we have a very modest 6! A minor group in comparison, yes, but they
have certainly kept us on our toes ever since their arrival!
The 6 seal pups came
to us just over a week ago aged less than three weeks, and still covered in
their fluffy white/yellowish fur coats (pictured above left). They have since moulted these furry
coverings (pictures below) and are now velvety grey with varying shades of speckles on them. At
the hospital, the seals are reliant on the staff to feed them regularly; 4
times a day at the moment. Christmas we know is a costly affair, but even more
so now! Five weeks of fish for 6 seals will cost us £2000! In the wild, they suckle
fatty rich milk from their mums and would put on nearly 1.5 kilos in weight a
day! They would then be abandoned by their mums just after they have moulted
and weighing in at approx.40 kilos.
Presently, whilst in
our care, they do not have the fat reserves to warrant being released back into
the sea. So it is our job to feed them up so they reach a good weight and are
able to lay down blubbery reserves. Ours currently weigh in at approx. 26-28
kilos.
The seals certainly
take some handling when we are tube feeding them fish soup. We have to straddle
and grip them to keep them steady. We are all after one week, achy, stiff and
with thigh muscles of steel! The sounds of the seals when you walk down the
corridor, is not dissimilar to a labour ward...lots of grunting, snorting and huffing!
As a newer member of
the team here at Stapeley, I have had a very fulfilling week. I am being
trained by experienced staff in the handling and safety of working with seals
and in the correct use of equipment. Today I got to use a seal net for the
first time, as we moved one of our weightier seals from indoors to an outdoor
pool (pictured below). The fun continues and will do so for many more weeks. (I just hope my
thighs can take the strain).
If you would like to
help us in the care of the seals, we would gladly receive any unwanted towels, blankets
and bed linen. Alternatively, if you have £5 to spare at Christmas, please text SEAL02 £5 to
70070 and help feed our fishy friends. Any donations are always truly
appreciated and gratefully received. Thank-you.
And check out this recent report by Lee Oliver: http://youtu.be/bHI7QLX_H0o
By Lynsey Cale
Sponsors of Stapeley Grange Blog
