Seal Rescue Ireland reopens into a very different world
SEAL RESCUE IRELAND in Courtown opens again on Monday, June 22, in a new and unique set up which will see visitors enjoy a ‘seal feed and enrichment experience’.
The one hour programme will be limited to three time slots per day and must be pre-booked in groups of up to six people.
The time slots are 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., 12.30 p.m. to 1.30 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. and are available to book by emailing volunteers@sealrescueireland.org.
Melanie Croce of Seal Rescue Ireland, said that her team will provide an exclusive behind the scenes opportunity to learn about marine mammal rehabilitation and visitors will help feed the seal pups.
She said that due to the Covid-19 social distancing guidelines, the new structure will regulate the number of visitors at any one time, and will allow the staff to sanitise the facility between groups.
‘The feed and enrichment experience will be more in-depth and engaging but it we will not be able to open the visitor centre with the same structure as we have traditionally which was simply open through out the day to whoever wants to come in.
‘We hope that this new programme will take off and will help us recover from fundraising lost over the past three months, but will also ensure public safety and give visitors a unique opportunity that they can’t get anywhere else. There will be a €20 per person fee to help us cover costs, and everyone who books into this new experience will learn about our mission while aiding us in our recovery,’ she said.
Seal Rescue Ireland recently marked ten years in operation, and to date has rescued more than 650 seals.
Last month, the team launched ‘Membership May’ and increased its membership from 140 to 211 in just one month.
Now, the team are preparing for a busy common seal season all the while continuing the habitat restoration and conservation activities in the locality.
‘The grey seals that were rescued over winter have steadily achieved peak condition and the last are being released back into the wild. We are excited to announce that we have our first common seal pup, and has been named Blazar.
‘Blazar means an active galactic nucleus with a relativistic jet directed very nearly towards an observer, and he was spotted all alone on the beach on June 4 in Culleenamore, Sligo.
‘Common Seals are dependent on their mothers for the first 1-2 months, but unfortunately she was nowhere to be found and had likely abandoned Blazar several days prior to being spotted as he was very skinny and weak. He was lifted and transported to Courtown and upon arrival he was determined to be about four days old and weighed only 8.5kg.
‘Since arriving here, he has brightened up considerably and is doing well. We have given him a “fake mum” made out of recycled wetsuits thanks to Lynn Haughton from the Upcycle Movement. Blazar’s ‘fake mum’ has brought a great deal of comfort as he settles in and gets stronger by the day,’ said Melanie.
Speaking on behalf of the team, Melanie thanked the supporters who have helped during the challenging time of the Covid-19 crisis.
‘We look forward to welcoming visitors back at our centre and are grateful for your patience. All funds raised through the programme will go directly toward hospital operations costs, and will help address the deficit caused by visitor centre closure over the last three months, as well as covering the costs of additional safety measures to keep visitors, staff and volunteers safe’.
For more information visit www.sealrescueireland.org.