New sanctuary in Caithness provides vital aid for seal pups

A new rehabilitation centre at Brough near Dunnet Head is helping seal pups rescued from the Caithness coastline.

The Caithness Seal Rehab and Release facility, run by Phil and Clare Boardman, can take up to 11 pups at a time and has been helping abandoned or weak pups since November.

Clare said: "We have had a total of 15 seal pups in the season. Eight have already been released. Two were transferred to SSPCA in Fishcross.

"We lost one pup at the beginning of the season and another later on which was very, very poorly. We have three in the sanctuary at the moment. One will be released in the next few weeks and the other two will follow on, probably in April sometime."

Clare says that there are six permanent volunteers that help them run the sanctuary and look after the seal pups. "Mostly every seal we have received at the sanctuary has been down to the public.

"We have had a great response since we have opened up. The public telephone us direct to report a seal pup. One of our volunteers goes out to check on it. If it needs uplifting it is taken to the local vets in Thurso where they give them a thorough examination and take blood. The seal pup is then admitted into the sanctuary and we take it from there."

During the times when the rehab centre is at at full capacity with 11 seal pups it can use up a tonne-and-a-half of fish per month. At the moment there are four fixed pens, three mobile pens and a nursery, to house the seal pups. It is hoped that all the improvements will be completed before the next pupping season starts again in November.

"We will then have a total of eight fixed pens and three mobile pens, together with a food prep room and small laboratory setup," adds Clare. "We already have a big pool where the seals learn to use their muscles, exercise and better their swimming skills. This is where they also learn how to catch fish and feed themselves. We hope to have a further pool built, as an isolation pool. All this we hope to get a grant for in the coming months so we can begin work."

All the work carried out by Phil and Clare has so far has been self-funded but they say they have had an "incredible response" from the public with regards to donations; purchasing items from a wish list on Amazon; and people bringing in towels and sheets. "Best of all, they are so happy there is a seal sanctuary here in Caithness so that they know the seals will be looked after. They are able to visit their seal by ringing us and arranging a visit."

The seals (grey seals or common seals) are brought into the centre usually underweight, ill or suffering from an injury. "Unfortunately, we cannot perform miracles and cases tend to be a 50/50 chance of release again. But we will do our utmost to help these young marine animals."

All seal pups from the centre are released in Brough Bay when they reach a healthy weight and are able to eat independently.

If you wish to donate to Caithness Seal Rehab and Release please follow this link: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/clare-boardman-5

More information can be found on the website www.caithness-seal-rehab-release.co.uk or by emailing: sealrehabrelease2022@hotmail.com or telephoning 01847 851927

The centre is happy to accept all donations, big or small, to help with running costs.

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