The animal welfare charity launched its seal appeal last month after experiencing a high number of seal admissions to its National Wildlife Rescue Centre at Fishcross.
The Scottish SPCA has said it’s “very grateful” for the public’s support after an appeal was launched to help its National Wildlife Rescue Centre last month.
The charity’s seal appeal was established in February to aid the rise in seal admissions to its National Wildlife Rescue Centre at Fishcross, Alloa. The centre was faced with its busiest period for grey seal rescue and rehabilitation. In just five months, 90 grey seals were admitted to the centre, with as many 50 pups in its care at one time. Each seal requires specialist, 24/7 care, with some also needing veterinary treatment and medication.
Last May, the centre saw 25 harbour seal pups arrive at the same time, many of which were orphaned, and that number only continued to grow until their release later in the year. Admissions also began a month earlier than usual, with harbour seal season typically starting out in June. Triggered by earlier, warmer weather, this unexpected cluster pushed the team to respond faster and at an even bigger scale – with more harbour seals being released last year than ever before.
Dog attacks are also a growing issue
Following that frantic harbour seal season, the team then moved straight into its busiest period for grey seals, with human interference contributing to an increase in admissions. Well-meaning members of the public may approach if they think a seal pup has been abandoned, however, the mum is usually nearby and won’t return if people are there. Disturbing a pregnant seal can also trigger early birth and abandonment, and dog attacks are also a growing issue.
One grey seal who was in desperate need of help after being the victim of either a dog or bull seal attack was Zelda. Zelda arrived at the centre weighing just 14.3kg and she was covered from head to flipper in infected wounds. Following a course of intensive treatment and meticulous care, Zelda has now been released back into the wild – and this wouldn’t have been possible without the public’s help.
After appealing to animal lovers to donate to the initiative, the Scottish SPCA can now reveal that as of Sunday 22 March, which is also International Seal Day, it has raised £13,180 for the centre – which will help fund the emergency care, rescue and rehabilitation work that the team work tirelessly to deliver to the best standard.
Donations will help to fund our vital emergency care
Sean Meechan, Wildlife Operations Lead at the Scottish SPCA, said: “We are very grateful for the public’s generosity and support for our seal appeal. These incredible donations will help to fund our vital emergency care, as well as the rescue and rehabilitation work that our team here at the National Wildlife Rescue Centre work so hard round the clock to deliver.”
The Scottish SPCA’s key mission is to safeguard the welfare of all of Scotland’s animals, and we are tirelessly working to also make this a top priority for parliamentarians. Our recently published Manifesto outlines four key asks which will help ensure Scotland is at the forefront of animal welfare. Delivering on these asks is crucial to prevent future harm and tackle repeat offending, which will help achieve our mission to make Scotland the best place for an animal to call home. Read our full Manifesto and sign our petition to show your support.
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