Saving Stranded Seal Pup Brood
The initial howler of the season has been acknowledged at Sea Dog Station
The seal station in Norddeich, Germany makes room for the first two infant seals of the year. Both Karla and Maca, left alone on the shore south of Cuxhaven and on Norderney, wound up at the facility roughly two weeks ago. These two motherless seal cubs will receive care and eventually be returned to the wild.
Each year, the seal station provides a shelter for over 150 motherless, injured, or sick seals, with the number increasing to include more Harbor seals. Last week's arrival in Norddeich wasn't just the two newcomers; a pup was picked up by the Bremerhaven fire department as it ambled along the dike promenade.
Upon locating the youngsters, they were initially observed to confirm their motherless status and taken to a quarantine facility before finally moving to the seal station. Weighing in at 8.6 kilograms and 8.1 kilograms, respectively, Karla and Maca are doing well considering their situation.
On the Lookout: Keep Your Distance and Contact the Seal Station
In the coming weeks, the number of discovered pups is likely to skyrocket, due largely to the peak birthing season among seals. The extended days off during the long Whitsun weekend and late Pentecost holidays may also have contributed to disturbing the seals, causing some young ones to find themselves without mothers.
Peter Lienau, the director of the Norddeich seal station, warns against approaching the animals. "Any interaction with humans can lead to mothers abandoning their offspring," he states. He also advises against attempting to photograph them, as such interference may prevent the youngsters from being adequately nursed, leaving them weak and separated from their mothers.
Stray pups are typically only alone for short periods while the mother is away finding food. If you think you've discovered a pup, contact the seal station without delay — at least until August. By this time, the pups have usually become independent and no longer require human intervention.
Finding Help: Care and Conservation
The Norddeich Seal Station is an integral part of the broader efforts to rescue, rehabilitate, and protect seals, particularly motherless or orphaned pup seals. Their care and rehabilitation process primarily focuses on nurturing the pups with a specially formulated milk substitute, providing them adequate hydration, carrying out regular health checks, promoting socialization, and providing environmental enrichment.
Once they've grown strong enough, typically between 2-3 months, they're released back into the wild. Monitoring post-release is challenging, but employees may keep track to ensure their new environment suits them. The seal station also participates in conservation efforts, education, research, and local community engagement to elevate seal protection awareness.
For accurate and timely information about these processes, it's essential to reach out to the Norddeich Seal Station directly.
Walking along the dike promenade, a pup may cause concern for home-and-garden residents. If encountered, maintaining distance and contacting the Norddeich Seal Station is crucial to help the pup restore its lifestyle, alongside pets such as seals.
