Seal
"Simba" makes escape!
Fri 23 Mar 07
I
received a phone call approx two minutes after Montrose Medic Willie
Taylor had initially called me seeking help in a relay to GWT with
one of their pups. The member of public reported the seal to be
not too responsive but in good shape. Another couple on the scene
had called Aberdeenshire Co-ordinator Nick Duthie. I said I would
attend based on the fact that I was already going to do a relay
with the Montrose team (this would also save on fuel expenses).
On
arrival I was met by the couple who gave me directions before they
headed for home. I found the seal, named "Simba", and
was a bit unsure about what to do with it, again it was one of these
borderline pups so took some pictures and discussed it with James
Barnett (vet) at HQ. It was agreed to uplift to GWT. When I tried
to jump it with the towel it went mental and legged it off down
the beach and in to the sea, although initially it was unresponsive
and members of the public could approach it. The only thing that
was worrying was the fact he was shivering, he had dry eyes and
he was not very responsive on being called.
Andy Ireland
Buchan Co-ordinator
Seal
Pup "Marlow" at Johnshaven North
Fri 23 Mar 2007
Whilst
manning Elaine's BDMLR 24 Hr mobile, I Received a call at 12.10
hrs from fellow Medic Rebecca Chambers saying that she was monitoring
a large seal pup at Johnshaven North. Unsure of whether to uplift
or not she agreed to call back at high tide at 16.30hrs if the pup
was still there. I provisionally booked a seal pen with Laurence
Brain at GWT and had Medic Kate Santer with myself on standby to
assist, and Andy Ireland (Buchan Co-odinator) on standby for a possible
relay.
It
was confimed at 16.30hrs that the pup was still there and despite
having excellent bodyweight and being approx 4-5 ft in length, our
Co-ordinator Elaine Roft thought it would be wise to uplift and
have it vet cheked by Laurence. Named "Marlow", our fat
feisty grey was herded into the transportation tank by myself (Willie
Taylor) and fellow Medics Rebecca Chambers and Kate Santer for a
relay to Stonehaven where Andy Ireland would continue with stage
2 to GWT.
Marlow
was coughing, had a bad bout of diarrhoea and the eyes, although
not clear, gave some cause for concern as did the left flipper.
This particular pup has been haulng out for approx 2 months in another
area, and showed reluctance to move when approached, although on
all our last attempts to catch it and assess it, access had always
proved difficult. Marlow made his way North to GWT at 18.00hrs.
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Sat 24 Mar 2007
Elaine
spoke with Laurence today who confirmed that Marlow's diarrhoea
had cleared but he was showing no signs of self feeding. Laurence
straddled him and has been force feeding him fish...updates to follow.
Willie Taylor
Marine Mammal Medic
Montrose / Arbroath Areas
Seal
Pup at Sewerby
Thu
22 Mar 2007
Today we received a call via the RSPCA for a seal pup at Sewerby.
The caller, Mr Kilburn from the Ship Inn on Cliff Road, had spotted
the pup against the cliff wall early this morning. I called Tracy
Guild, our local medic, who went to check out the pup in her lunch
break and found it to be underweight (see attached pictures). This
was also the opinion of our Senior Veterinary Consultant James Barnett.
As Tracy had to get back to work, Bev Drayton picked up the pup
and took it into Swanbridge Vets for fluids. RSPCA East Winch Wildlife
Centre said that they could take the pup so then a relay was set
up with medics from Hull and Lincoln.
Our thanks go to Bev, Tracy, Dianne Davies, Russell New, James Barnett
and RSPCA East Winch for their dedication and speedy response.
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Sue
White
BDMLR Head Office
Bottlenose
Dolphin at Paignton
Thu 22 Mar 2007
Just
before noon, Cornwall police called to advise that a Dolphin had
been spotted thrashing about in the shallows at Preston Beach, Paignton
in Devon. Medics Chris Smallbones and Alan Hirst went to check out
the situation and identify which type of dolphin it was.
At
first Chris and the local Coastguard checked out the given location
but was unable to find anything. Local Area Co-ordinator Sue Davie
was on her way to the location when Chris called to advise that
they had found the Dolphin which was identified as a Bottlenose,
and it was swimming around at the end of the Pier. The medics monitored
the dolphin for the next couple of hours until it finally swam back
out to sea.
Our thanks go Lynne Murch, her father Mr Jackman, Cornwall Police,
Brixham Coastguards, Chris Smallbones, Sue Davie, Alan Hirst and
all the medics who were on standby should the dolphin have stranded.
I hope to get a picture from the local paper, I'm waiting to hear
back from them.
Sue
White
BDMLR Head Office
Seal
on Moelfre Lifeboat Slipway
Tue 20th Mar 2007
I
received a call at 14.41 from Barrington Taylor, an RNLI volunteer
and medic, to advise that there was a seal on Moelfre Lifeboat Slipway.
Barrington checked out the seal to find it healthy and in good condition
sunbathing on the slipway. A large notice was put on the door to
remind the crew to make sure the seal had gone before the lifeboat
was launched!
Many thanks to Barrington
Taylor for these photos.
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Sue White
BDMLR Head Office
Seal
Rescue – Rosehearty, Scotland
Mon 19th Mar 2007
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At
0940 this morning I received a text from Angi Long (BDMLR Buchan
Medic) to say that she had been contacted by a member of the public
who was concerned about a stranded seal. The seal had been in the
same place for the past few days and was looking very ‘weak’.
It was nearby the picnic area and not very responsive.
Andy
Ireland (BDMLR Buchan Coordinator) was going to respond to this
seal and also asked a few other medics if they wanted to come along
to assist and gain some experience. Linsey McKeown (BDMLR Buchan
Medic) replied that she was available to help so a rendezvous location
and time was set and we both prepared to brave the storms.
At
1100 we met up at the picnic site and got in touch with the member
of public to try and establish exactly where the seal was. The seal
was found up at the top of a small but steep cliff in the picnic
area and was trying to shelter from the rough sea that was rolling
in. Linsey was about to give the ‘jump a seal’ thing
a go that she had just learned on her medic course only 48 hours
before. The seal must have known he could try his luck and headed
off down the cliff at a rate of knots – just as Jamie described
on the course. Andy managed to jump the seal whilst Linsey grabbed
the seal tank and then we both lifted him in to the tank and carry
him back up top for a full examination.
He
appeared to be a young male, very feisty and not malnourished. Linsey
took his temperature which was 37.8 and she also treated his minor
cuts and wounds with tetracycline spray. On route we had booked
a pen for him with Lawrence should it be required but he was one
of those cases that fell in to the unsure category. He had been
out of the water for sometime and the only food available to him
was some gravy bones that someone had left for him, strangely enough
he hadn’t touched them! With the sea as rough as it was and
feeding being an issue for him then that made us concerned to leave
him. He was also in a popular area for dog walkers which was a major
concern. Despite all of the above, he was healthy, possibly slightly
dehydrated due to lack of food but still putting up a fight.
We
consulted Sue White (BDMLR HQ) and Tony Woodley (BDMLR Director),
sending them a few pictures for their opinion as to what we should
do. They agreed that the pup was fine and could be left but moving
to a quieter location would be the ideal solution.
We
loaded up our kit and placed the seal in to the car with the idea
of taking him to Sandhaven harbour which is sheltered but large
enough for him to get in and have a hunt for some food. On arrival
at Sandhaven the conditions were worsening with a large swell entering
into the harbour, hail falling from the sky in sheets and the temperature
was well below 0 if you take into consideration the wind chill.
Linsey contacted a friend who stayed south of Peterhead and they
relayed some images and video footage via their mobile to her of
a potential release location, but the bay south of Peterhead that
we had in mind was just as rough. Our final location to try was
Cairnbulg so we headed off in the hope that it would be better.
On
arrival we were glad to find a nicely sheltered harbour which was
ideal for the release. The east wall of the harbour was providing
a small area of beach where our seal would be out of the wind, driving
rain and snow. Before release we decided to tube him. This procedure
proved harder than ever before, he was wriggling around and flipping
on his back. Whenever we got hold of him he would slither out of
our grip and try to turn on us. Eventually we managed to gain complete
control of him and administered 250mls of Lectade. This seal has
been named ‘Kaa’ after the snake in jungle book due
to his wriggling and slippery performance whilst following our Disney
characters theme.
Kaa
was then placed back in the tank, carried down to the beach and
released. He made a dash for the water and enjoyed swimming around
in the harbour for a short while before heading out in to the rough
swell. Hopefully our pup will return to the harbour to rest up should
he need a rest. Linsey and I stayed by the beach for a little while
to watch for him but no sign. Andy returned at 1800 to check if
Kaa had returned but no sign of him. The team will be keeping a
close eye on the beaches local to his release site.
Thanks
to member of the public for reporting the pup, Angi Long (BDMLR
Buchan Medic) Andy Ireland (BDMLR Buchan Coordinator), Linsey McKeown
(BDMLR Buchan Medic), Lawrence Brain (Grampian Wildlife Trust),
Sue White (BDMLR HQ) and Tony Woodley (BDMLR Director)
Andy Ireland
Buchan Regional Coordinator
British Divers Marine Life Rescue
Seal
Pup - Inverbervie
Mon 12th March 2007
I
received a phone call from Elaine Roft, our area Co-ordinator, at
5.40pm to say that Charlene Kane from Inverbervie had contacted
her to say that there was a seal pup on the beach between Inverbervie
and Gourdon (quite high up on the tide line and distressed) and
would we be able to check on the pup. I phoned Medic Rebecca Chambers
and left a message re. the pup saying that Medic Paul Horne &
myself would pick up the tank from her house if she was not there.
Fortunately when we arrived at Johnshaven, Becs was there and offered
to come and help us (great as I am still on crutches and didn't
relish having to carry the tank with Paul). We Arrived at Inverbervie
and found the pup who appeared quite content with life. Respirations
at this time was 13 per min, though each breath was quite heavy
and laboured. The pup appeared to have good body weight though a
little thin around the neck and, on closer inspection, a lot of
loose saggy skin determining that it was underweight for its size.
I called Elaine who asked if we would uplift the pup whilst she
spoke to Faye Archell BDMLR on call to organise a relay to SSPCA
Middlebank (as Lawrence at New Deer had no room for the pup). Paul
and Becs went to fetch the tank. The pup was still quite relaxed
though respirations had gone up to 17 per minute. Whilst Paul straddled
the pup Rebecca sexed the pup (Female named "Charlene"),
almost sure as it was by now very dark and the torch was beginning
to fade, and temperature was 36 degrees. We Got the pup into the
tank and Paul, Rebecca and a member of the Public, Stuart, carried
the tank back to the car. A BIG THANKS STUART FOR YOUR HELP. We
drove back to Rebeccas house at Johnshaven where I again phoned
Elaine who told me that a relay had been organised and would we
meet Tayforth Co-ordinator Alan Muir at Focus car park in Arbroath
around 7.45pm. Becs offered to start the relay from Johnshaven to
Arbroath, accommpanied by Paul. Before setting off the pup was settled
in the tank.
Sue Horne - Volunteer
Montrose / Arbroath Areas
I picked up the grey pup at 8.10pm, respiration 15bpm. I drove to
Dundee where I was joined by medic Donna Sutherland (on her first
callout). Donna was unsure of the location of SSPCA Middlebank so
I suggested that she should accompany me on this occasion for future
reference. We continued to SSPCA Middlebank arriving at 9.45pm.
Pup was assessed on arrival and found to have a large swelling on
the left shoulder and to be bleeding from its back passage. Pup
also seemed dehydrated and to be having some difficulty with its
breathing.
I assisted the SSPCA officer (Alexis) by restraining the pup as
medication was administered. It was given noraclav (sp?) antibiotic
and rymidhal (sp?) anti-imflammatory/pain relief. The pup was also
tubed to administer fluids for dehydration. A vet will give a complete
examination first thing Tuesday morning.
We returned home, arriving approx 11.45pm.
Allan Muir
BDMLR (Tayforth)
This email came from Alexis:
Hi Elaine,
Thought I'd drop you a quick mail to let you know the details of
the seal (Charlene) I recepted this evening. We have named her "Laura".
I could not weigh her as my scales have gone on the blink and I
can't charge the other ones until tomorrow. She was not awfully
great I'm afraid, respiration looked a bit laboured and she has
a fairly big swelling on her left shoulder. I suspect it may be
an abscess. Her faeces also looked black and a little blood-stained.
As a precaution I have left a note for Jackie to call the vet out
tomorrow. In the meantime I have administered antibiotics, anti-inflammatory/painkiller
and rehydrated her.
I sincerely hope she is ok. I had to estimate a weight for her and
I reckon she will be around the 12 kg mark, so not a very big pup.
She did look quite plump but there was a fair bit of loose skin
which may indicate that she is in fact underweight for her size.
Her reference number is 210.
Thanks Elaine,
Alexis Bailey
SSPCA Middlebank
Thanks to Medics Rebecca Chambers / Paul Horne / Volunteer Sue Horne
/ Donna Sutherland / Co-ordinators Elaine Roft & Allan Muir
/ BDMLR on call Faye Archell / M.O.P Charlene Kane & Stuart
/ Alexis Bailey SSPCA
Two
seals at Spurn Point
Sun 11th Mar 2007
We
received a call on Sunday 11th March from the Spurn Point Ranger
that there were two seals that needed to be looked at, one at Spurn
Point and one on the beach in front of the Pub in Kilnsea. We went
to Spurn first where there was a seal laying well up on the sand,
not very responsive, one eye shut. Two walkers told us that they
saw her approximately four hours earlier and that she has been there
at least since early morning. There were quite a few people around
and some dogs. In fact that part of the beach is not protected as
a ‘nature reserve’.
We
relocated the seal further up the Point after having taken the advice
of the ranger. The seal hesitated to leave the kennel, quite strange!
She really did not want to move. Once on the sand she laid and continued
to sleep. We left her while we decided to go and assess the other
one, as it was already 4pm. Once we arrived at the rocks we saw
a beautiful, alert, fightish seal who kept all of us at bay and
at distance. We stood back watching her while she decided to go
back towards the water and started to slide on the mud (Pingu-like
when he plays about on the ice!). It was low tide, but she kept
going strongly and effortlessly. We went back to the first seal
and watched for a while; we then decided to re-assess the situation
in the morning.
We
were back on the beach by 9 am. The seal was lying in the same location
away from the water, quite lethargic, eye shut. We started to get
worried because she was not reacting to our voices or movements,
she did an’ orange poo’ and we were told that it could
be a sign of dehydration. Despite our concerns the ‘sleepy
seal ‘ did respond as soon as she saw the kennel in front
of her!! Seals must have good memories I said! And she did not go
quietly in the kennel ....but Joel had a firm grip. Alan (co-ordinator)
contacted the Seal Life Centre in Scarborough and we were on our
way. Joel was able to delay his journey to Newark for work as I
did not fancy a four hours round trip on my own. ”Not the
best example of British road work is the road to Scarborough”
I say! I must admit she did smell terribly in the car, despite the
open windows.
At
the Centre the seal looked exhausted but fought all the workers.
Despite the body mass looking round some rolls of skin were visible
on the neck. The seal turned up to be a male, 21 kg, infested with
worms. They were everywhere, but luckily enough not in the lungs
yet. So after a few injections and a forced feed, ‘Pineapple
Chunk’ was left to rest in the isolation ward. He should be
able to make a quick recovery and to be released once ready to go.
Thanks everybody who helped
Joel and Freddie
Taylor
East Yorkshire Medics
Seal
Pup at St. Cyrus Beach
Fri 9th Mar 2007
I received a call
from one of my clients "Ernie Donald" to say his dog Spicket
had come across a seal pup at St. Cyrus beach. He reckoned it was
60cm long.
So off I go around 4.30 to check it out. I found him no bother and
counted his respirations at 31bpm min. He appeared to be asleep
and shivering. I contacted Elaine Roft, our Area Co-ordiantor, to
seek assistance in uplift and to book a seal pen at either Grampian
Wildlife Trust or SSPCA Middlebank, working on a relay system with
other groups.
Medic Paul Horne who had been contacted by Elaine and who was free
met me in the Car Park at The St Cyrus nature reserve around 5.15pm
ish with the seal tank. Back on the beach Paul managed to straddle
the now wide awake pup. I took its temperature, temp. - 32.4^C.(Hypothermic
state) and confirmed sex as a male. We uplifted him and then struggled
back to the car. "Ernie" the Pup appeared to have good
bodyweight and seemed to have grown in length too.
We returned to Johnshaven after taking his respiations again in
the Car Park - now at 23 bpm at 6.15pm.
After consultation with Elaine Roft, "Ernie" was heading
up to Lawrence Brain at The Grampian Wildlife Trust at New Deer.
I met with Buchan Medic Linda Robertson at Stonehaven swimming pool
and she continued on with the Relay.
Thanks to Medics Rebecca Chambers / Paul Horne / Willie Taylor /
Area Co-ordinator Elaine Roft / Buchan Medic Linda Robetson / Laurence
Brain Grampian Wildlife Trust / BDMLR on call Faye Archell
Mon 12th Mar 2007
Laurence Brain has
confirmed today that "Ernie" is doing well so far and
is on a course of antibiotics.
Rebecca Chambers
- Marine Mammal Medic
Montrose / Arbroath Areas
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Seal
Surprise
Tue
6th Mar 2007
Whilst out dog walking today, I decided to rest my feet and enjoy
the afternoon sunshine that had made an appearance through the clouds.
Much to my surprise, and under circumstances which I shall refrain
from mentioning, I was abruptly but pleasantly surprised when I
was joined by a common seal pup (one of last years). Having had
a wee natter to the pup, I headed off to grab the dog so it wouldnt
surprise or frighten my companion. My companion, now named "pippa",
was by this time joined by a few other dog walkers so it hastily
retreated back into the water. After joining us for a second time,
and being frightened off again (this time by an old gentleman who
was insistent on waving his walking stick in the air), I decided
it best to call in reinforcement help from Medic Paul Horne.
The
pup had very good body weight, and there were no initial concerns
other than it was adamant at persistently hauling out in a very
unusual place which would have put the pup in immediate danger (again,
I shall refrain from mentioning the location). Paul arrived on scene
with the transportation tank, and our aim was to uplift our friend
and relocate it to another area of beach away from harm. Having
hauled out three times in this spot, "pippa" our pup must
have decided to head off and find a more appropriate place to rest.
Our last vision of her / him was a glance backwards as much as to
say "spoilsports... I so wanted to rest at this particular
place". Sadly, we had no cameras with us to photograph "pippa"
which would have been an excellent snapshot given the area and position
she was in.
Elaine Roft & Paul Horne
Marine Mammal Medics
Montrose / Arbroath Areas
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