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Jersey marine wildlife rescuers are pondering whether a local rehab facility for poorly seals is required as demand to help poorly pups washing up on the island's shores continues to rise.
A young pup – since named Didier – was found struggling at Anneport Beach on Friday by dogwalker Rebecca Ransom. He was the sixth to be found so far this season.
The dehydrated and hypothermic pup was also significantly underweight at 14kg, which falls significantly below the expected weight range of 25-30kg for a five- to six- week-old pup his age.
After being collected by the British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) team, Didier was sent to Guernsey's animal shelter for rehabilitation.
He is now receiving care there from the GSPCA, Guernsey's main animal charity, along with three other Jersey seal pups at the shelter called Maya, Faulkner and Jem.
Faulkner and Jem, the seals rescued from Jersey in November, are set to be released into the wild from the GSPCA this month if all goes well. Maya, a "feisty" pup found earlier this month, is doing well in Guernsey, according to the shelter.
“On Saturday it was another early start welcoming Dilder the latest grey seal pup into our care," Geoff George, Head of Marine Mammals at the GSPCA, explained.
“At only 14kgs the male seal pup was extremely dehydrated with possible pneumonia, needing around-the-clock care.”
Steve Byrne, GSPCA Manager, added: “We weren’t planning on caring for seals long term this season and we have several challenges and need help.”
“One was storage and we must say a huge thanks to Ferry Speed who are kindly housing the pallets of fish we are using for the seal pups..”
“We do need mackerel and herring if anyone has any but feeding poorly animals we animals need in date human edible quality to ensure we give the seal pups the best diet and chance to build their health.”
“The recent months have seen many challenges as many of our outer aviaries, pens, fences and equipment were sadly damaged or destroyed due to Storm Ciaran.”
"Due to the storm, we have launched an Urgent Appeal for funds due to the damage as we need to clear fallen trees and build new enclosures.
"Maya, Faulkner, Jem, Grinch, Baby Shark and Barnacle Bill the loggerhead turtle are just 6 of the casualties due to the recent storms."
Sharing an update on the sixth rescue of the season on their Facebook page last week, the BDMLR team noted that "Jersey pup numbers are on the increase every year".
They went on to say that they were "very aware we need something on island for our pups". While no concrete plans have been suggested as yet, the team said that "thinking caps [are] already activated!"
SUPPORT...
ADVICE:
Islanders who come across a struggling seal pup or distressed marine mammal are advised too “stay back, never attempt to put them back in the water, keep dogs on leads and well away”.
They should also contact the JSPCA on 724331 – or via their out-of-hours number on 07797 720331 – to alert the BDMLR team.
DONATE:
To contribute to Didier's care and support GSPCA's initiatives, donations can be made through their website HERE.
"Feisty" seal pup rescued from Corbiere sent to Guernsey for rehab
WATCH: Rescued Jersey seal pup comforted by fake 'mama' made from waterproof trousers
"Growly" Faulkner the seal pup heads to Guernsey for rehab
Jem the "poorly" seal pup sent to Guernsey for emergency treatment
"Feisty" seal pup rescued from Corbiere sent to Guernsey for rehab
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