RSPCA launches appeal for ophaned seal pups

RSPCA launches crisis appeal for orphaned seal pups

RSPCA launches crisis appeal for orphaned seal pups

The RSPCA today launched a crisis appeal to support the East Winch Wildlife Centre which is caring for more than 100 orphaned seal pups following the recent floods.

It costs £22 a week to feed each seal, with pups expected to require up to five months of rehabilitation after being separated from their mothers by last week’s tidal surge on the Norfolk coast.

The wildlife centre, in Norfolk, is at full capacity with the young pups – many still less than three weeks old – which washed up along the coast following the recent storms.

Staff and volunteers have now begun the mammoth task of rehabilitating the grey seal pups, which were rescued by RSPCA inspectors, with the aim of returning them to the wild.

To donate now and help the RSPCA with the seals, please text SEAL01 followed by how much you would like to donate to 70070 (eg, SEAL01 £3). Texts cost your chosen amount + one standard network rate message.

Alison Charles, manager of the RSPCA’s East Winch Wildlife Centre, said: “We have never had a seal rescue project on a scale as big as this before.

“If it wasn’t for us, these seal pups would starve to death. But we really need the public’s help because without their donations we simply couldn’t do what we do.

“This couldn’t have happened at a worse time for the seals. We are at the height of the grey seal pupping season which means most of these poor seals should still be dependent on their mother’s milk.

“Christmas hasn’t been too kind to these seals so far, but hopefully the public’s generosity will bring them a little bit of festive cheer.

The centre is also appealing for a number of practical items used by centre staff to rehabilitate the seal pups. These can be taken directly to RSPCA East Winch Wildlife Centre at Station Road, East Winch, King’s Lynn, Norfolk, PE32 1NR. These include:

·         Industrial liquidiser

·         Industrial dishwasher

·         1 and 2 litre plastic measuring jugs

·         Washing up bowls for seals to drink from

·         Stainless steel dog bowls to warm feeds in

·         Calf matting to keep the seals comfortable and warm

·         Large sachets of Lectade

·         Knee pads and cushioned kneelers used by staff during feeding times

·         Scrubbing brushes, deck brooms and handles

·         Milton tablets to sterilise funnels after feeding

·         Milk, tea, coffee and sugar to keep the staff and volunteers going

·         Fridges in working order

 

The centre does not need any more towels following a successful recent appeal.

 

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Notes to editors

For interviews, filming requests and photographs contact the RSPCA press office on 0300 123 0244 or email press@rspca.org.uk

To donate now and help the RSPCA with the seals, please text SEAL01 followed by how much you would like to donate to 70070 (eg, SEAL01 £3). Texts cost your chosen amount + one standard network rate message.