AN URGENT appeal for donations has been issued by a Fishcross wildlife rescue centre after its water treatment plant broke down.

The Scottish SPCA's National Wildlife Rescue Centre in Fishcross relies on the plant to rehabilitate and release around 200 seals and thousands of seabirds every year.

Since the issue arose, the centre has been without the necessary water supply to care for these animals and the charity urgently needs to raise £600,000 towards the costs of replacing the system.

Chris Hogsden, wildlife rescue centre manager, said: “We are in urgent need of donations towards the water treatment plant here at the centre.

“We’ve already had to send four seals to our friends at Hillswick Wildlife Sanctuary as the issue with the water supply means we’re unable to care for the animals here.

“Our team will be sad to say goodbye to them but we know they’ll be in the best possible hands with the team at Hillswick.”

The seals were flown to Hillswick on Tuesday, July 26, with the help of AKKI Aviation and Inverness Airport.

Their support allowed a team of wildlife rehab experts to travel with the seals to Shetland via plane.

The SSPCA has worked with Hillswick Wildlife Sanctuary on a number of occasions previously, most recently when they helped with the release of rare Arctic seal, Hispi, in 2021.

Jan Bevington, founder of the sanctuary, said: “When the Scottish SPCA called asking could we help with the care of their common seal pups, there was no hesitation on our part.

“The Scottish SPCA has helped us invaluably over the years and we are only too happy to return the favour.”

Although the four seals flying to Shetland takes some of the pressure off of the team at the National Wildlife Rescue Centre, the water treatment plant remains a cause for concern due to other animals in the centre’s care.

Centre manager Chris added: “Another five seals remain in our care while an alternative site for treatment is sought.

“In addition to the seals, we also have hundreds of seabirds and waterfowl on site who came into our care before the current bird flu restrictions and are waiting to be released.

“We cannot stress enough how vital this water treatment plant is for us to be able to continue our work rescuing and rehabilitating Scotland’s wildlife.

“We know times are tough for everyone and we do need to raise a large sum of money, but even the smallest donation will help towards our target.

“We’d be so grateful for anything members of the public can spare, and we know Scotland’s wildlife will be too.”

Visit bit.ly/3b6tr2b to donate.