The Scottish SPCA has made an appeal for help during their busy peak rescue season, as human interference is driving increasing admissions to its Alloa centre.
A total of 90 grey seals have been admitted for treatment in five months as the Scottish SPCA appeal for help during peak rescue season. The charity has made the plea as its National Wildlife Rescue Centre in Fishcross, Alloa, works through peak grey seal admissions.
As many as 50 pups are in its care at one time. Each seal requires round the clock care, with some also requiring veterinary treatment and medication.
In one occasion last May, the centre received 25 harbour seal pups at once with many of them orphaned. That number continued to grow until their release later in the year.
Triggered by earlier, warmer weather, this cluster pushed the team to respond faster and at a bigger scale. More harbour seals were released last year than ever before.
Following that busy harbour seal season, the team has now moved straight into its busiest period for grey seals. Human interference is driving increasing admissions to the centre, the charity said.
Well-meaning members of the public may approach if they think a seal pup has been abandoned. However, the mum is generally nearby and won’t return if people are there.
The SSPCA advises the public to call their helpline or British Divers Marine Life Rescue if you see an injured or distressed seal. Members of the public are also asked to keep a safe distance of at least 100m, keep dogs on leads and never attempt to handle, feed, or push the seal back into the water.
One grey seal currently receiving treatment after what was almost certainly an attack is Zelda, who arrived at the centre weighing just 14.3kg. From her head to her flipper, she was covered with infected wounds and abscesses.
It is believed Zelda was attacked most likely by a bull seal or an unleashed dog. She was started on a course of intensive treatment, pain relief and meticulous care.
Once ready, Zelda started to spend more time outside adjusting to the natural world and was matched with a companion seal called Ducky. The two are navigating life in recovery together as they progress and build confidence.
Staff at the centre have developed an effective bottle-feeding technique with a balanced seal specific milk formula. While still in the early stages, this method has already transformed early-stage care for premature and vulnerable pups, providing a more positive and lower stress feeding experience.
Scotland is home to around 90 percent of the UK’s seal population – and the Scottish SPCA plays a critical role in safeguarding their future. Harbour seals are already vulnerable, with their population on the west coast declining by around 20 percent in recent years.
On average, seals can be at the centre for around 64 days. Every donation helps fund emergency care, rescue and rehabilitation and will enable the centre to keep providing seals the best possible care.
To donate, visit the seal appeal here.
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