Guernsey’s animal charity, the GSPCA, is marking World Wildlife Day by highlighting both its ongoing rescue efforts and the progress of its major site redevelopment.

As part of the GSPCA’s “Biggest Build Appeal”, the society is reporting that its £3.7 million redevelopment project has reached the halfway stage. 

The works will see the creation of a brand new wildlife hospital, ​upgraded facilities specifically for seals, and some general infrastructure improvements.

  • Pictured: The GSPCA’s Biggest Build Appeal is underway and has seen the demolition of old buildings at their St Andrews Headquarters.
  • Pictured: The GSPCA’s Biggest Build Appeal is underway and has seen the demolition of old buildings at their St Andrews Headquarters.

However, the GSPCA has noted that additional funding is still required to finalise the build, specifically for solar panels and specialised clinical equipment. 

Steve Byrne, the GSPCA Manager, said World Wildlife Day was “the perfect moment to celebrate the incredible animals we share our island with and the community who helps us protect them”.

He added: “As we reach the halfway point of the ‘GSPCA Biggest Build Appeal’, we continue to ask for the public’s support, whether through buying a brick, donating, sponsoring equipment, or helping us fund essential additions like solar panels to secure a sustainable future for animal care.

“Every contribution, big or small, helps us continue our mission, whether that’s rescuing an oiled puffin, saving an entangled seal pup, or caring for the 3,000+ wild animals that come through our doors every year.”

  • Pictured: (From Left to right) The GSPCA’s Geoff George, Barnacle Bill, and Condor’s Ian Le Moigne.
  • A small, injured puffin with black and white plumage rests on a soft, padded surface inside what appears to be a rehabilitation or medical enclosure. The bird is positioned upright with its body settled into the bedding, and its orange-tipped beak points forward. Light blue absorbent pads surround the bird, and part of a folded blanket is visible at the bottom edge of the image.
    Pictured: Percival the Puffin is currently undergoing treatment following his exposure to oil.
  • Pictured: Iceberg Lettuce, the sixth seal rescued of the GSPCA’s current cohort of seven, who was saved in January.
  • An injured grey seal pup on a rocky beach.
    Pictured: Avalanche weighed just 20kg when she was found on shore during the first week of January.
  • Pictured: Glacier the seal pup, who was rescued on New Year’s Eve 2025

The shelter is currently operating at high capacity, providing care for seven grey seal pups currently in rehabilitation, including a recent rescue from the Fairy Ring that needed veterinary treatment for severe injuries caused by discarded netting.

Geoff George, Head of Marine Mammals, said: “Our seven grey seal pups are doing remarkably well, especially considering the challenging cases we’ve seen this season. 

“The pup rescued from the Fairy Ring was in an awful state when we found him, and without intervention he would not have survived.

“Three of the pups are now strong, feeding well and preparing for release very soon, which is always a wonderful milestone for us all at the GSPCA.”

It’s not just seals that are seeing the spotlight on World Wildlife Day, with an update on a recently-rescued seabird making strides towards a recovery. ​

Percival the Puffin was rescued from Port Grat and is currently receiving treatment for oil contamination.

​If you find sick or injured wildlife in Guernsey, the GSPCA has a 24-hour emergency line on 07781 104074, and you can find out more about ways to support local wildlife on its website.