Staff at a Clacks animal care facility have developed a new way to feed young seals, whilst taking care of up to 50 pups at a time.
The Scottish SPCA’s National Wildlife Rescue Centre in Fishcross brings in around 90 of the creatures during the five months from October to March.
Each need round the clock care, with some also requiring veterinary treatment and medication.
It was last year that workers came up with the innovative bottle-feeding technique using a balanced seal specific milk formula, which they claim is less difficult for the animals than doing it through a tube.
An SSPCA statement said: “While still in the early stages, this method has already transformed early-stage care for premature and vulnerable pups, providing a more positive and lower stress feeding experience.”
It’s currently the charity’s busiest time of year for Grey Seal recovery, and it said that human interference is “driving increasing admissions”.
A statement explained: “Well-meaning members of the public may approach if they think a seal pup has been abandoned, however, the mum is generally nearby and won’t return if people are there.
“Disturbing a pregnant seal can also trigger early birth and abandonment, and dog attacks are also a growing issue.”
One such animal currently receiving treatment is Zelda, who arrived at weighing just 14.3kg.
The statement continued: “From her head to her flipper, she was covered with infected wounds and abscesses, but that didn’t stop her from being full of attitude. Zelda was almost certainly the victim of an attack, most likely a bull seal or an unleashed dog.
“She was started on a course of intensive treatment, pain relief and meticulous care. Once she was ready, Zelda started to spend more time outside adjusting to the natural world and was matched with a companion seal called Ducky.
“The two are navigating their life in recovery together as they build confidence. They are making amazing progress, but the work isn’t done just yet. Centre staff will continue to care for them, amongst the other seals, until they are ready for release.”
It won’t be long until another species starts to arrive in greater numbers.
Last May saw 25 harbour seals come in at once, many of which were orphaned. That was around a month before when the peak season tends to get underway.
The SSPCA said that the influx was triggered by earlier, warmer weather.
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