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
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