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Record number of seal rescues
The Scottish SPCA has reported a record number of injured seals arriving in its care this year.
We rescued our 99th and 100th seals on Christmas Day and Boxing Day after the weak and injured pups were discovered in Musselburgh and Eyemouth.
Our Wildlife Rescue Centre in Fife has now cared for over 100 seals in 2011, compared to 75 in 2010 and 57 in 2009.
Centre Manager Colin Seddon said, "This significant increase is due to a number of reas
ons.
"Certainly bad weather is an issue and we've rescued several pups who have arrived with various injuries as a result of being bashed against rocks.
"There is also a greater awareness from the public about the Scottish SPCA and what we do.
"Many people now know that if they spot an injured seal they should phone our animal helpline for advice and we have more inspectors and animal rescue officers to respond to calls than ever before."
Our 99th and 100th seals have been named UFO and Keplar after astronomical features and the grey seal pups are now being cared for at our Wildlife Rescue Centre at Middlebank, near Dunfermline.
Colin said, "UFO was found struggling on Christmas Day in Musselburgh, possibly as a result of recent storms.
"He is underweight and has minor wounds from hitting against rocks due to heavy seas and high winds.
"Keplar arrived in our care on Boxing Day from Eyemouth. He is very weak and is suffering from a painful eye injury which he is currently receiving treatment for.
"We're very hopeful that both seals will recover and we'll release them back into the wild once they are able to fend for themselves."
Anyone who discovers an injured or distressed animal should call our Animal Helpline on 03000 999 999.