SOS Save Our Seals: Record number in our care
A record number of seals have been in our care at our National Wildlife Centre. Your gift will be used where the need is greatest.
SOS Save Our Seals: Record number in our care
A record number of seals coming into our care has pushed the limits of our team at our National Wildlife Rescue Centre.
Every seal needs round-the-clock care; veterinary treatment and rehabilitation to prepare them for being released back into the wild.
Every seal deserves the best possible care we can provide.
Read Zelda’s story below.
Zelda the grey seal pup arrives wounded and underweight
Zelda the grey seal pup arrived with us in early December as a whitecoat, weighing just 14.3kg.
From the very first moment, we knew this little seal was going to be challenging. Sharp, reactive and unimpressed, it was clear we had our work cut out and it didn’t take long to understand why.
Zelda was covered head to toe in deep, infected, and extremely painful wounds and abscesses. Everywhere we looked, there was damage.
She was almost certainly the victim of an attack; most likely from a bull seal on the beach, or possibly an unleashed dog.
SOS Save Our Seals: Zelda is one story
With your support, we can be there for Zelda and every seal in our care.
Your gift will be used where the need is greatest.
Every £1 really matters to Scotland’s seals in our care.
Zelda gets the care she needs
With intensive treatment, constant care from our team who administered pain relief, and ensured her wounds were meticulously taken care of, Zelda’s body slowly began to heal.
It was a long journey but today, we’re incredibly proud to say that Zelda is now completely wound-free and pain-free.
She has spent her time alongside several companions, first Ducky, then Piggy, and now Skittles,
And one thing we’ve noticed that’s truly special: any seal we pair with Zelda becomes deeply protective of her – calling out when we approach, positioning themselves between her and staff, and choosing to snuggle close.
We often wonder what goes on in their little heads, but there’s something about Zelda the others seem to recognise. She must be a gentle soul, and this vulnerability is sensed by her friends.
Zelda grows in confidence
After a long journey, Zelda has now finally started self-feeding.
What Zelda went through as a newborn has left a lasting emotional scar. Her brain learned early that the world isn’t safe and she doesn’t forget that easily. We work quietly, calmly, and respectfully around her. Only experienced staff care for her day-to-day needs, ensuring she feels as safe and secure as possible while she continues to grow stronger.
It took time for her to feel safe enough to explore her natural feeding behaviour, but despite everything she’s been through, she did it, and that moment is huge. It marks progression, confidence, and healing on her own terms.
Your gift helps us continue this vital work to care for Zelda, Ducky, Piggy, and Skittles and every seal that comes into our care.
SOS SAVE OUR SEALS: RECORD NUMBER IN OUR CARE
Our National Wildlife Rescue Centre cares for seals and all species of wildlife throughout the year, influenced by the changing seasons and Scotland’s unpredictable weather. Every seal that comes into our care needs us. Together, we care for seals.
Your gift will be used where it is needed most at our National Wildlife Rescue Centre to continue their vital work caring for Scotland’s seals.
SOS Save Our Seals: Record number in our care
A record number of seals have been in our care at our National Wildlife Centre. Your gift will be used where the need is greatest.