Overcrowding at the seal sanctuary
SEAL Rescue Ireland has said it is experiencing a huge influx of seals at its rescue centre in Courtown, and has launched a special appeal for assistance as it approaches maximum capacity.
‘ The months of October and November have seen the centre admit record numbers of seals for the grey seal season,’ said centre manager Ivan Kelly.
He said that during November, they took in an average of one seal a day from across Ireland. ‘ This influx of seals has put huge pressure on our resources to the point where we currently have 50 seals in the centre and we are approaching our maximum capacity,’ he stated.
‘ We are therefore appealing to the public and business community for any assistance in supporting our December fundraising initiatives, or by volunteering with us to help us through this difficult period,’ he added.
The team at the centre is planning to post a Christmas wish-list on the Seal Rescue Ireland Facebook page, which details all the items that are currently needed, or will be needed, at the centre.
In addition, they will be releasing four seals - Eve, Jasmine, Pongo and Perdita - from the Burrough (north beach) in Courtown on Sunday, December 18, and would love to see everyone there showing their support.
This will be followed later in the same day by a concert at 9 p.m. in The Amber Springs Hotel featuring local favourites Thunderbird and Cathal Byrne as Elvis, in the company of Johnny Flood, the One Man Band.
The volunteers are also running Christmas Wonderland events in the centre from Saturday, December 17, to Friday, December 23, from 12 midday to 5 p.m. This includes a visit to Santa and Sammy Seal, art and crafts, face painting, festive games, raffles, and a tour of the Seal Centre.
‘ We are also looking for a number of volunteers to assist with our various programmes,’ said Ivan. ‘At the present time, we need a person to co-ordinate our team of school speakers who are dedicated to carrying out school visits, and two more people to join up with our fundraising committee.’
‘ We are also looking for someone to assist with maintaining the site, and would welcome anyone who would like to come on board with us,’ he added. To offer help, contact the centre on 053 9424980 or email sealrescueireland@gmail.com
Ivan explained that Seal Rescue Ireland is an Irish registered charity that is dedicated to providing shelter, treatment and rehabilitation for res- cued marine wildlife found in difficulty around the Irish coast.
‘ We strive to improve the welfare and conservation of seals and other animals in addition to creating awareness and understanding of Ireland’s coastal environment and its wildlife communities,’ he said.
For more information, visit www. sealrescueireland.org or see Seal Rescue Ireland on Facebook.