New Year and new challenges

We are now a few weeks into the New Year and with a dramatic end to 2013 many of us have not had the time to think of resolutions (a valid excuse I think!), instead we are looking forward to what challenges 2014 will bring. This year marks a big milestone for Stapeley as it is our 20^th anniversary, a fantastic cause for celebration and a great achievement. In addition to the difficult task of rehabilitation we have also set an ambitious fundraising aim of £20,000, so there are many exciting events planned to hopefully even beat the target. Please see the following link to find out more details of what we have planned through the year  http://www.rspca.org.uk/local/stapeley-grange-cattery/events.

For the start of this year sadly the seals have not been the only victims of the terrible weather. Flooding from the rains have resulted in two cases of unfortunate otter cubs to be swept away from their homes and mothers. Luckily they were both discovered and when no parent returned were brought to Stapeley by an RSPCA Inspector.  

They were given health checks before settling into their new homes in isolation with a wooden box den, cosy blanket and a nice heat lamp for warmth. Initially the orphans were fed milk formula with a bit of trout but weaning didn't take long as within days the cubs were devouring the fish!

Appearances can be deceptive and in this instance it is certainly the case. Despite the cute looks, otter cubs come with a sharp set of teeth that they are not afraid to use!

During rehabilitation we follow a minimal contact and hands off approach to their care to prevent the cubs from becoming accustomed to people. Soon they will be transferred to the New Forest Wildlife Park who specialise in the rehabilitation of orphaned and sick British otters. The cubs will be cared for there for up to 9 months, in the mean time they have been paired together as they are of similar age to socialise and learn from each other. 

Supervisor Rob is the rehabilitation Coordinator at Stapeley and works in collaboration with the environment agency to carry out a soft releases onto suitable private land near where they generally came from. I hope to follow the otter cubs progress until their release later in the year, I think that is a far better resolution than going to the gym!

By Michelle Bite

 

East Coast Storm Seal appeal: To donate Text Seal02 £3 or £5 to 70070

Take a look at our seals: http://bit.ly/1kouicu

 

Supporters of Stapeley Grange Wildlife Centre and Cattery

To the Mountains... (And don’t spare the seals!)

Myself and supervisor Rob had a cheeky little day out on Sunday, but all in the name of work and rehabilitation I assure you!

It was time to take 4 of our orphaned seals to a bigger pool...Destination ‘Welsh Mountain Zoo’. The Welsh Mountain Zoo have 2 of their own orphaned seals to contend with presently, but fortunately, their larger and deeper pool facilities mean there is plenty of room for a few of ours to join in too!

  

All hands on deck in the morning as we guided, nudged and steered our 4 seals into individual carriers, weighed them, updated their records and loaded them into the van. They all appeared quite chilled out and a couple even had a snooze on the way.

Arriving at the zoo we were met by some of the keepers and they assisted in transferring our charges from the back of the van to the new pool enclosure. Just like their stay with us at Stapeley, this too, is just a temporary stop prior to their final release back into the sea. Weight wise they still need to gain bit more ready for the wild, and having a deeper pool means they can practice their swimming and feeding skills...all necessary for the best chance of survival in the big wide sea!

  

Although at a zoo, our seals are not on display to the public. However, myself and Rob and Tom and Peter from Welsh Mountain Zoo, did enjoy just watching them for awhile when we let them into the new area! Was great fun seeing them dive to the lower depths, splash around freely, blow bubbles and my favourite, floating vertically with just their heads bobbing on the surface!

 

They have come a long way, not just in miles but physically too. The next step of rehabilitation is underway and it has been fulfilling to be part of the journey so far. The Welsh Mountain Zoo will keep us updated on the seals general health and progress, and a big thank-you to them for providing the next step of our seals care (and a good cup of tea at the cafe!).   By Lynsey Cale

East Coast Storm Seal appeal: To donate Text Seal02 £3 or £5 to 70070

Take a look at our seals: http://bit.ly/1kouicu

Supporters of Stapeley Grange Wildlife Centre and Cattery