Sanctuary Has Record Number of White Coated Pups
The National Seal Sanctuary has rescued a record number of white coated seal pups this season.

Grey seal pups found on the Cornish coast are born with a very fluffy white coat, which they then lose after only three weeks to reveal the normal grey coat that everyone associates with seals. It is also at this three period that the seal's mother will leave the pup to fend for itself.

"It's not unusual for us to rescue white coated pups, but the sheer volume that we have had in this season has been astounding" said Clare McGowan, animal care assistant at the Sanctuary.
Sanctuary Has Record Number of White Coated Pups
"It's not unusual for us to rescue white coated pups, but the sheer volume that we have had in this season has been astounding" said Clare McGowan, animal care assistant at the Sanctuary.

On average the Sanctuary rescues around 6 white coated pups in a whole season, but have so far rescued 16 and still has the rest of the season left to go.

"We're unsure why so many pups have needed rescuing at such a young age as they all have such different backgrounds" added Clare. "We think the strong tides and bad weather we have had this season has affected these pups who just aren't strong enough to fight it and get into difficulties".

The pup rescue season starts around October and ends around March. On average the Sanctuary rescues around 40 seals every year, rehabilitating them and releasing them back into the wild. The Sanctuary has currently got 36 seals in their care who will all be released back into the sea. The Sanctuary's Seal Hospital is currently full of pups and they are struggling with room to fit all the pups in.

It takes around 4-5 months to rehabilitate each seal so that they can be released and costs about £2,000 per pup. This includes the cost of their food, medication any operations they may need. The Sanctuary funds the work it does from the entrance fees, adoptions and donations that people kindly give.

The Sanctuary's currently pup naming theme is Harry Potter characters. Anyone wishing to visit Hermonie, Hagrid, Malfoy or any other favourite character can do so from 10am daily. Details of how to donate can be found on the Sanctuary's website:- www.sealsanctuary.co.uk.
Press Release issued by: The National Seal Sanctuary
For more information please contact Laura Ward on 01326 221361
Date: 18th January 2010

Click here to go back