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Exploris...
When is a seal pup in need of rescue? Find
out how to spot the tell tale signs...
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Every year Exploris Aquarium
rehabilitates orphaned, injured, and sick seal pups and then returns
them back into the wild.
Not all the seal pups reported
to Exploris need to be rescued. At certain times of the year it
is perfectly normal for seal pups to be alone on the shore.
The message we give to members
of the public when they find a seal pup is: |
do not touch
observe from a distance
do not attempt to feed
do not move back into the sea |
When Exploris staff check a seal pup the following clinical conditions
are assessed:
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Malnutrition
Healthy pups are well rounded. Malnourished pups have a distinct neck
and their pelvis and ribs are often visible. |
Wounds
Pups can be thrown against rocks in rough seas, be bitten by adult
seals, attacked by birds etc. Wounds can become infected and result
in septicaemia (blood poisoning) |
Respiratory diseases
In healthy pups, breathing is irregular (5-15 breaths per minute).
Respiratory diseases can be associated with nasal and/or eye discharge,
sneezing, coughing and audible lung sounds. |
Dehydration
Hydrated pups tend to have wet, tear stained eyes.
Dehydrated pups have dry, sunken eyes. |
Umbilical infections
Umbilical cords can become infected (the umbilical detaches after
7-10 days). |
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Be Aware – Seals carry seal pox, brucella and salmonella.
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Learn more about the work of
Exploris at www.exploris.org.uk
If you think a seal pup needs to be rescued contact Exploris
(open 7 days a week)
Exploris
Tel. 028 4272 8062 / 028 4272 8002
www.exploris.org.uk
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