Nature Features

The latest arrival at the busy Seal Sanctuary in Gweek near Helston has been christened 'Riley' after one of the centre's vets.

Riley was found with a wound to his neck. He is now being given around the clock TLC from the staff and volunteers at the sanctuary.

"He's actually in pretty good spirits apart from a nasty wound on his neck," explains Tamara Cooper from the sanctuary.

Pic by: Sue Sayer - Cornwall Seal Group

"We're cleaning the wound twice a day to prevent infection. Soon we'll put Riley in the outdoor pool so our visitors will be able to see him."

Staff at the sanctuary are hoping Riley will be able to return to the Cornish sea in around a couple of months.

The rescue comes at a time that the UK's seal population is causing concern for local charities.

Cornwall Wildlife Trust, in partnership with Cornwall Seal Group, is calling for action to further protect seal populations around the British coast.

Paddy Tipping MP has put forward the Early Day Motion (EDM) which calls for the  Government to recognise its international obligations to maintain seal populations at a favourable conservation status by reviewing the 'Conservation of Seals Act 1970'.

The most urgent issues are those surrounding the rapid, widespread decline of common seal populations around the UK.

Pic by: Sue Sayer - Cornwall Seal Group

Around 45% of the world population of grey seals is found in Britain, a large proportion of which are found in Cornwall. Whilst not in decline, there are clear indications of a slowing down and stabilisation of grey seal populations in UK in recent years.

Sue Sayer from Cornwall Seal Group said: "The recent evidence from the Special Committee on Seals gives clear cause for concern. Science cannot tell us the reasons for the rapid and widespread decline in common seals and stabilisation in grey seals, but common sense tells us that the causes are likely to be varied and complex.

"We have a moral duty and international legal responsibility to protect UK seal populations on behalf of the rest of the world. Grey and common seals are two of the nine UK marine species described as 'species of conservation importance'. 

"As part of the new Marine Bill, primary legislation which effectively protects healthy seals is needed to replace the Conservation of Seals Act, and we sincerely hope this EDM is the first step in the right direction."