The Cornishman, July 29, 2004

Gweek seals to be released at gwithian

Staff at the National Seal Sanctuary were due last week to say good-bye to the last of their pups rescued in 2003/2004. Sweet Pea and Charlie were scheduled to be released at Gwithian on Friday.

"This is the best place to do a beach release as there is a large grey seal colony just round the corner," says senior animal care team member Tamara Cooper.

Sweet Pea was rescued at Porthcurno at four weeks of age, with wounds to her flippers and suffering from the early stages of pneumonia.

Charlie was rescued only just over a month ago from Hayle with a large fishing net caught around his neck.

But he has made a quick recovery - and his progress has been followed very closely by international singer/songwriter and Cornwall resident Tori Amos, who became interested in the sanctuary some time ago and is responsible for giving Charlie [after the late Ray Charles] his name.

Both animals will be released with flipper tags so they can be identified if spotted.

With the final goodbyes, the animal care team now wait for the start of the 2004/2005 rescue season.

"You can never tell how busy the rescue season is going to be, but we are always prepared for the influx of new pups," added Tamara.

And she advised: "If the public do spot a seal pup that is injured or may have been abandoned, please do not approach the animal but call the sanctuary on 01326 221361 or the RSPCA."
 
 -----------------------------
 ...Source 1 | Source 2 | Source 3

 [back]