Beach
Trek: The Search for the Seals
28th – 29th November 2006.
On the evening of the 28th, Coordinator Dave Jarvis
received a call regarding a pup on the beach at Porthkerris down
on the Lizard. So Dave & Tim Bain, went out to look for the
pup.
Arriving at the site, the pup was quickly spotted
just above the reach of the high tide. An assessment of the pup’s
health was made from a distance using torches, and it appeared to
be in good condition and a healthy weight for a pup of around 2
weeks old. As conditions were calm, a message was left on the answerphone
at the NSS Gweek & it was decided to leave the pup overnight
and to check for it again in the morning in case it’s mother
had found it.
The following day, Sharon Gisby, who was doing seal
handling experience at Gweek went down to the beach again and was
joined a short while later by Tim Bain and Dan Jarvis. The pup was
not where it had been seen the night before, so the team searched
the whole beach, without success. They then searched the nearby
cove of Porthallow, followed by Porthoustock to the South, still
with no sign of any seal. Tim walked the coast path back to Porthkerris,
keeping in contact with Sharon and Dan via radio as they continued
on by car to meet him at the other end.
As Tim made his way back down on to Porthkerris,
he spotted the elusive pup, alone, in the water a short distance
from the shore. It quickly disappeared though, so the immediate
area was observed from vantage points along the beach. Annoyingly,
the pup had once again vanished. Sharon had to leave later on, while
Tim and Dan stayed on and made one last walk of the beach, again
using the radios to maintain contact, before night fell. With the
pup apparently having fun hiding somewhere nearby, the search had
to be brought to an end. However, 10 minutes into the journey home,
a call came through from Dave Jarvis that the Cornwall Wildlife
Trust Strandings Network had just received a report about a pup
hauled out at Porthoustock…
Tim and Dan diverted back in the opposite direction
and finally found the pup with the help of a local Coastguard who
had reported it to the CWT. It now came complete with fresh grazes
on its rear flippers and an infected graze on its left foreflipper.
Oedema was also noted in both eyes and the pup’s temperature
was also high at 38.9C. Consulting with Curator Glenn Boyle at the
National Seal Sanctuary during this time, it was decided the pup
should be brought in. With the help of the Coastguard and a volunteer,
the pup was loaded into the cage and taken away for rehabilitation,
where it was named ‘Pudgy’.
Whilst all of this was going on, at 15.00 on 29th
November, medic Hannah Walter was advised that a seal pup had been
washed up on a beach called Millook, about two miles from where
she worked. She set out with her recently received Varikennel &
seal bag to discover a fully moulted but very underweight pup on
the beach. The animal was quickly uplifted and taken to local Veterinary
Surgeons Locke and Preston, where it was attended to by Mr Preston,
this being the second animal that they have assisted us with recently,
the initial one having been treated by Vicky White. Hannah then
met up with medic Sue Gear and monitored the pup whilst awaiting
the attendance of the RSPCA, who transported it to their hospital
at West Hatch.
Dave Jarvis
Cornwall Coordinator
Pup
Attacked By Dogs On Beach by Allan Muir
28th
November
I received
a call from Elaine Roft regarding a seal pup in distress on Arbroath
beach. Upon arrival, I was horrified to see a member of the public
and four dogs surrounding the pup. I ran across the beach towards
them and could plainly see that the dogs were harrassing and biting
at the seal pup. I identified myself as a member of the BDMLR and
immediately asked the man to remove his dogs from the area. His
reply is unprintable!!! I again asked him to stop his dogs from
attacking the pup and he came forth with a torrent of verbal abuse.
I then informed him that seals carry a number of diseases and that
his dogs could contract potentially fatal infections from the seal,
so would he please remove his dogs from the scene. Once more I was
subjected to a torrent of abuse.
All the time this
was going on, his dogs continued to bite and pull at the pup. At
times they were lifting and shaking the pup. I managed to put myself
between the dogs and the pup and protect it to some degree. The
man then moved off, still shouting abuse at me. At this point I
took his picture as I feel all medics in the area should be aware
of this 'gentleman' and his dogs.
When I took out the
phone to inform Elaine of what was happening, he took the hint and
moved off down the 
beach.
I was then able to assess the pup..
The pup was a whitecoat
with an obvious injury to its back left flipper. There was also
a lesion around the left eye. there were small areas of blood on
its right fore flipper and at the right edge of its mouth. How many
of these injuries were the result of the dogs attacking, I don't
know.. The pup was also shaking and looked very much the worse for
wear..
Even without the said
injuries, I would have had to uplift this pup just to be sure there
was no repeat of the attack by the dogs. I spoke with Elaine and
we agreed an uplift and transport to SSPCA Middlebank.
With the help of a
police officer from Arbroath who had been called by Elaine to help
assist, I uplifted the pup at 11.00am and proceeded directly to
Middlebank. I arrived there at 12.45pm. The pup was immediately
placed under a heat lamp as it was shivering badly, possibly through
shock!
The pup named "Cal"
was renamed "Jim" by the staff at Middlebank and reference
number 2456 given. Progress reports as we get them..
Allan Muir
Marine Mammal Medic
Tayforth Regional Co-ordinator
Todays incident has
been reported to local WCLO by Elaine
Thanks to Sue White
(BDMLR Head Office), Elaine Roft (Montrose / Arbroath Co-ordinator),
Allan Muir (Tayforth Co-ordinator), Tayside Police (Central Control
Dundee), Tayside Police (Arbroath), SSPCA Middlebank
Late
night rescue in Cornwall
27th November 2006.
At 22.00, a call was received regarding a seal
pup on Porthminster beach, St Ives. Coordinator Tim Bain was swiftly
on scene, shortly followed by Dave, Lesley, Phil and Dan Jarvis.
The pup was quickly found in the middle of
the beach and assessed. It appeared to be healthy except for a large
swollen area around the hock of the left rear flipper, which was
also oozing pus. After consulting with the Animal Care Team at the
National Seal Sanctuary, the pup was uplifted as fast a possible
due to the encroaching thunder and lightning and taken in by Dave,
Tim and Dan.
At the Sanctuary, a clinical assessment was
carried out, during which Dan managed to get bitten (ha!). The pup
was a male and named ‘Pugwash’. Afterwards, we went
to the hospital to get treatment for Dan’s bite wound, and
thus we ended up getting home after 3am…
Dave Jarvis
Cornwall Coordinator
Caithness
weekend
On 25/11/06 a call was recieved about a seal pup on Reiss beach,
close to Ackegill towers. Initially it was thought that this was
a weaned pup that was already being monitored. However, the pup
found was a grey seal pup, unweaned and about 1m in length and 15
kg in weight ( please correct me if my estimates are way off mark!).
It was situated adjacent to Ackergill towers on a sliver of rocky
beach. Immediately it was evident that the right front flipper was
severley infected, swollen and exuding a bloody pus that was tinging
his fur. His general attitude and posture were good, though he was
covered in flies ( in other animals they would make an attempt to
shake them unless morbidly ill. In seals I am not sure what is the
normal behaviour, but will try to find out asap. I suspect that
tolerating the flies were indicative of him not feeling at all well).
Picking up the seal and a visit to the local vet was decided on,
though he wasn't having any of it and tried to escape to the sea.
Because he was visiting the vet, he was examined in detail when
in the consultation room, so as not to subject him to two manipulations.
On examination the flipper was found to have profound ulcerations
where tissue abscesses had ruptured. The flipper itself was very
swollen, draining a bloody pus and suspected of being fractured
( abnormal movement of the carpal bones and crepitation. The only
indication in this situation would be amputation and it was decided
that this was not in the interest of the welfare of the animal.
It was humanely put down.
Good job Davey and Ju may well have not been the result we where
looking for however we stopped the animals pain and suffering.
Call 2
David Sutherland and Karen Munro.
Richard called last night to say that a member of the public had
spotted a small seal down at Sarclet Head with what appeared to
be part of a fishing net around it's neck. Karen Munro had also
been contacted by Richard, so we agreed to meet around 9 am this
morning and to go and have a look at the little guy. The location
of Sarclet Head didn't immediately spring to mind, but following
Richard's instructions and using Karen's Ordnance Survey map we
got down to the beach area without too much difficulty.
We were met by the member of the public who had
found the distressed seal yesterday (also David) and he took us
along the dirt road to a path overlooking the small beach/disused
harbour. Surprisingly for Karen and I, we were greeted with the
sight of 11 adult seals (including on big male) and 14 seal pups
(most appeared to be unweaned). David showed us the distressed seal,
and the netting, although only about two foot square, was very apparent
and clearly attached around the seals neck. Other than the net it
looked, from a distance, quite healthy. Karen phoned Richard and
gave him a quick update. After some discussion about how best to
handle the situation (was it acceptable to enter the beach given
the possibility of disturbing the mothers/unweaned pups), it was
decided that we should try and assist the seal.
David took us down to the beach and along the left
hand side which consisted of a rock face. We decided that I would
'jump' the seal (not sure of the technical term for this?!), David
would cut the net free, and Karen would bring up the portable kennel
(if required), take pictures of events, and keep an eye on the adults.
The closest adult seals moved down to the waters edge as we moved
closer to the netted seal. It was in a good condition and apart
from the net showed no signs of injury or illness. It was lying
between two large rocks and this made it fairly easy to restrain
it once I had placed the towel over its head. Six strands of netting
were wrapped around the seals neck. David cut four of these without
much difficulty but the last two strands were tight and required
a little bit of time and care. Once the net was cut free and pulled
from underneath the seal, a quick inspection showed no signs of
injury from the net. We released it and it went straight into the
water with an indignant backwards glance.
We walked back up
to the path and had a look back down at the shore. All of the adults
that had moved to the water line when we entered the beach had come
back up to their pups. Richard arrived and introduced himself, and
agreed that it was a good job. Very satisfying for us all.
Well done to you both for getting this seal back to where it should
be health and i suggest far more happy.
Saturday night I received a call regarding a white coat pup sitting
on a grass verge adjacent to the beach at Keiss. Even though it
was dark and this beach is not the most accessible with the small
amount of information 
we
had, gave us cause for concern.
Medics Jim Thompson, Karen Munro and myself decided to attend. It
was in deed a cold and open spot where we came across the white
coat. The pup had started moulting however very small at around
12kg for weaning and its mother was nowhere to be seen. I took some
photos, which were sent to James Barnett and Jason Carter, and after
a chat with both of them it was decided to leave the pup in place
and visit it the following day.
Jim Thompson and Sarah Henderson visited the pup the next day at
around high tide when mothers often seem to feed their pups. However
mum was nowhere to be seen again on closer inspection in a more
favourable light the pup had very sticky eyes and was under weight
by age also it was dehydrated. More photographs were taken however
we wanted to give the pup every chance to be found by its mother
so decided to leave it in place and take advice. The photos where
taken and sent via email to Jason Carter who consulted with Tony
and the 
decision
was made that due to weight, dehydration, and the fact that while
isolated this spot was very busy as we had four separate phone calls
regarding this pup in less than a day.
Sunday night Jim, Davey and myself took the dark walk again and
lifted the pup with a seal bag, transferring it to a kennel when
we got back to the car. The pup was overnighted in a pen inside
my barn, needing warmth and fluids. It was today transported to
Inverness where relay team has been set up to get it to the rehab
unit.
In addition to those above I would like to thank Andy Ireland, Stacey,
Natalie Simmons and Lynda Nicholson who where all involved in the
transport relay.
Richard Bradley
- Marine Mammal Medic
Pup
Relay (New Deer to Middlebank), Scotland
by Andy Ireland
22nd November
On arriving home on Wednesday
evening, Jason Carter (Kent Coordinator) was manning the on-call
phones and gave me a call. He advised me that Thurso had two pups
that were in need of a relay to Grampian Wildlife Trust (GWT). I
sent a message to all of my team to establish was available and
who wasn’t.
On contacting
GWT, they advised me that they were currently at full capacity and
already had one seal too 
many.
This meant that in order for them to take any more seals we would
have to move that one on to Middlebank. As GWT was also using a
temporary holding pen, if they were to take a further two seals
in to rehab then they would require a more permanent solution. Sue
and Trevor in Head Office were already working on trying to have
two large containers shipped in to GWT the same or next day (Thursday/Friday).
The relay was organised and Angi
Long (Buchan Medic) had agreed to do the first leg, then Willie
Taylor and Paul Horne (Montrose Medics), then Allan Muir (Tayforth
Coordinator) would complete the relay to Middlebank. Elaine Roft
kindly offered to contact Middlebank first thing and see if they
are happy to take our pup.
23rd
November
Elaine called me at 0830 to advise that the relay was on, and that
Middlebank would be happy to take the pup.
Angi Long was advised to continue as planned and set off from GWT
at 1030.
At 1200 Angi Long Handed the pup over to Paul Horne and Willie Taylor
(Montrose Medics) at Stonehaven, 
whilst
Angi headed to meet Nick Duthie to collect a seal kennel that had
to go north back up to Thurso later in the day.
At 1300 Montrose team handed the pup over to Allan Muir (Tayforth
Coordinator) who continued down to Middlebank. On arrival at Middlebank
the pup was placed in a pen.
Thanks to Allan Muir (Tayforth
Coordinator) for the attached pictures taken at Middlebank.
Thanks must go to Jason Carter (Kent Coordinator & On Call Mobile),
Angi Long (Buchan Medic), Andy Ireland (Buchan Coordinator), Medics
and Volunteers of the Buchan team that offered their help if required,
Elaine Roft (Montrose Coordinator), Willie Taylor (Montrose Medic
& 24 hour On Call), Paul Horne (Montrose Medic), Allan Muir
(Tayforth Coordinator), Trevor Weeks & Sue White (BDMLR HQ),
Lawrence Brain (Grampian Wildlife Trust), SSPCA Middlebank.
Andy
Ireland - Buchan Regional Coordinator
British Divers Marine Life Rescue
Demanding
Midweek Mayhem - N.Scotland by Paula Gent
22nd November 2006
[click
on images to enlarge]
The day started with
a call from Thurso police station at around 10am. A gentleman had
been walking his dogs on the beach in town and had seen a seal pup
there. While I was taking the call medic Richard Bradley was already
on his way to pick me up, with the intention of taking a drive to
check on another pup we are watching on the east side of the county,
so plans had changed by the time he got to me.
I let Sue know at head office and when Richard arrived a few minutes
later we set off down to Thurso beach.
We quickly located
the pup, slap bang in the middle of the beach, laying on its back
and shaking and shivering though with no visible signs of injury
though looking a little underweight. After a call to head office
again to say we had located it, Richard took a picky on his phone
and sent it to Tony Woodley for a quick assessment to confirm our
suspicion it was to be lifted and sent south. After about ten minutes
we had the confirmation of this and we rang Davey to bring us the
black tank down from home.
Davey and I lifted the pup into a seal bag and took it back to the
truck. I arranged for some fluids to be given as soon as possible,
as the pup was dehydrated and hypothermic too, so a quick drive
back home with it and let it warm up a little while waiting for
information of where it was to go.
During the afternoon the pup settled down and slept
and was quite content after the fluids and arrangements have been
made to transport the pup south tomorrow. That left me to just make
bedding down arrangements for the night.
While settling the
pup down in its overnight accommodation, the phone rang again and
lo and behold it was another pup in distress! So Davey got hold
of medic Jim Thomson, while I informed head office of the possibility
of another lift today.
We meet with Jim at Dunnet Ranger Station so we could arrive at
the second pup at Harrow Harbour together as it was now about 5.30pm
and pitch dark. We had been given some pretty vague directions,
but we found 
pup
number two within ten minutes, again right against the cliffs almost
as if it was hiding. At the first quick look, it was a definite
lift and take to the vet for a shot of antibiotics, as it had a
gaping hole in its side behind the left front flipper which was
oozing lots of pus.
Thankfully it was fairly docile, and Jim and Davey
soon had it in the bag and we were on our way back to the cars.
Once at the car we transferred it into a black tank again, I let
Jason Carter (on call) know of the pick up, rang the vet to forewarn
them of our arrival and set off back to Thurso.
The vet saw us at about 7.30pm after his normal
appointments and cut away the dead fatty tissue that was oozing,
cleaned the hole out and administered antibiotics, as well as some
eye ointment.
After the treatment I shot home to download today’s
pictures off my camera and emailed them off for advice from James
Barnett and Jason Carter. I then let the other people involved in
the transportation of the pups what was happening, then set off
to bed this one down for the night after some fluids had been administered.
Jason then contacted me and said he would get James Barnett to contact
me after he had spoken to him, as I needed advice for the Thurso
pup that had started to shake and had a higher temperature than
earlier.
When James rang we spoke about the condition of the pup and he then
advised antibiotics, so that was another trip to the vet.
Andy Ireland rang soon after and we discussed the transport arrangements
for the following day.
All in all a busy day again for the area and I am very proud of
the team we have up here.
I would just like to say a big Thank You to everyone
involved today and I am proud to be a part of a great team in the
UK.
Paula Gent
- BDMLR Caithness Coordinator
Northern
Scotland busy again !
Weekend
18th & 19th November 2006.
Written by Richard Bradley
Reiss
by Sarah Henderson
Rich asked Hannah
and I to take a look at the seal on Reiss Beach this morning. We
arrived just after high tide, about 10:30 am. Found the seal close
to Ackergill tower's beach, well within a lot of beached seaweed.
Don't think that any dog walkers are going to make it this far,
so it may be safe from that kind of influence.
It was about 4 feet
long, and seemed quite well rounded to me, but I've not done much
of these. It almost looked dead at first, but after my shadow passed
over it, it opened its eyes, saw Hannah and myself, and started
panting as if it was getting stressed. We took some photos and left
it to itself.
……………………………………………………………………………………………..
Sunday got off to
an early start 6am; Davey and I got an Email (thank you Karen) regarding
a pup at Duncansby Stacks. A pup had been photographed in poor condition
on the beach. Bearing in mind if a lift was possible the beach there
is much easier to get to at low water. The idea was to get an idea
of weather a rescue was possible, so that a team could be prepared
for a lift later in the day at low water. We got there around 7.30am
it was bitter cold with a strong wind and with a ¾ mile walk
to the stacks we set off at a brisk pace. If you have not taken
the trouble to do this walk, do it. The stacks are wonderful as
is the scenery on the way. When we arrived we noticed a steep path
that due to the weather was really very dangerous, it would at least
have meant getting a climbing team in with ropes to get to the beach,
the issue with low water is that there is a head land that didn’t
look nice to cross with the tide in. As we peered over the headland
we saw the next and impossible problem, which was, 50-70 pups on
the beach lots of adults there feeding and having a rest. I took
some photos of the beach and we headed back. Sent an email to Jason
at head office suggesting we did not attempt a rescue due to the
disturbance we could cause and goodness knows how many pups could
end up abandoned. Head office agreed and we had to leave nature
to take its course.
Sunday
afternoon call number three comes in, a lady at Talmine has spotted
a pup on a grass verge under some bracken [pic below] she believes
it has been carried to this spot by some one trying to do the right
thing. Called Jim Thompson and Karen Munro who headed off as quick
as they could on arrival the lady who had spotted it sent a family
member to help locate it Jim gave me a call to tell me it had not
only been touched but also in poor condition. The pup was to be
lifted. It was in a bad position for a lift however Jim managed
to get in behind it and jumped it well done Jim always an uneasy
moment. The pup was put in a kennel, mean while I had arranged to
meet Nick in Inverness with the pup for the relay to a holding unit.
Jim and Karen were really quick on the return run. Davey and I where
soon on our way Nick was a little faster than us as he had better
roads and managed to meet us at Tain where the pup was tube fed
still snarling then sped off to the holding unit. The pup is to
be transferred to MiddleBank re-hab tomorrow.
Davey and I hot foot it back to Thurso with bed in mind after an
early start at 11.15pm we get back to Sommerfields and the phone
rings a call from Paula to say that she had been called to say a
lady had picked up a pup on the beach that day and was holding it
in her porch. As we where at the traffic lights any way we headed
for Skarfskerry. When we arrived she showed us to an outbuilding
at the back of her house there was the pup alright she had even
gone to the trouble of putting up a pool with salt water in it thankfully
the pup had not been for a swim. We examined the pup which had a
swollen front flipper with puncture wounds oozing puss. At the base
of the back was another nasty wound which was bloody. It also had
milky coloured eyes, which is often a sign of poor condition and
dehydration. Called head office and headed for the vet who met us
at the surgery at Thurso. The pup was examined hissing all the way
then given antibiotics and painkillers. Bearing in mind the time
1 am the decision was made to over night the pup at my house for
transfer today. The pup was fed and its temp and respiration was
taken it was a little chilly 36.5 so at 2.30am we put it to bed
in my shower with a teddy LOL. This morning a place was found at
MiddleBank for it again with a stop over night on the way. Karen
Munro stepped into the breach and agreed to do the transport (thanks
Karen) she met Caroline Heart at Dornoch who in turn took the pup
to Nairn to meet with Nick who delivered it safe and sound tonight
at the holding centre. What a weekend
Thank you to all of those involved at all stages including our collegues
in the south without whom this would not have been possible. We
have a great team up here in Caithness, which is being realised
already by head office who has acknowledged our efforts over the
weekend. So good job everyone.
Richard Bradley
- Marine Mammal Medic
Further thanks :
Talmine pup "Capri" - Thanks
to the following ; Jason Carter (Kent/BDMLR On-Call), Nick Duthie
(Aberdeenshire), Elaine Roft & Team (Montrose), Allan Muir (Tayforth),
Jamie Dyer (NWH), James Barnett - BDMLR Vet Coordinator, GWT, SSPCA
Middlebank
Dunnet Pup "Tanya" - Thanks to the following ; Jason Carter
(Kent/BDMLR On-Call), Andy Ireland & Team (Buchan), Nick Duthie
(Aberdeenshire), Elaine Roft (Montrose), James Barnett -
BDMLR Vet Coordinator
Pup
rescue Rattray Beach, Nr. St Fergus Scotland
by Andy Ireland
15th November 2006.
In light of the recent
bad weather, the Buchan group planned to carry out patrols today.
We met at Scotstown beach and set off in the direction on Peterhead.
After completing this section of beach we had a short break ad then
headed west towards Fraserburgh.
Volunteer Scott Doutre spotted a seal pup, and a very good find
it was too! The pup was very high up the beach and it looked like
he had been there for some time now.
As this pup was right in the middle of both beach access points
at St Fergus and Rattray we decided it would be best to use the
quad to relay kit to the scene.
[Red mark indicates
pup location – Image from
Multimap.com]
We were using radio communications as mobile signals
on the beach can be affected due to the dunes. Andy contacted Elaine
Helyer by radio and got her to make contact with Elaine Roft and
ask her to try and see if Middlebank or Lawrence had free pen’s
for our pup.
Elaine came back soon after and advised that Lawrence would be happy
to take our pup.
We loaded the kit up at Rattray, which included
our seal response kit and kennel and headed back to re-locate Scott
and the seal. There was no mother or any other seals present in
the sea and the pup was not faring too well.
Volunteer Elaine Helyer was given some instruction on seal handling
and then was handed a towel and told to do the needful. As Elaine
work on a farm she was used to handling and restraining animals.
The pup was young and still had some of its white coat on the rear
flippers. It had some breathing problems and was coughing every
10 minutes. Respiration was noisy and we suspected respiratory disease,
lugworm or worst-case pneumonia. Scott and I took the temperature,
which was high at 37.6 and there was dry crusty discharge around
the eyes. The pup was underweight and appeared to be thin. He wasn’t
the feistiest of pups but did put up a fight when being handled.
Whilst Elaine was holding the pup, Scott and I cleaned
off the eyes and rinsed them with water and gave him a check over
for any trauma. Elaine then released the pup to give him a break
and we sprayed him with water to try bringing the temperature down.
We placed our pup in to the kennel and secured him
to the quad for the long journey back to the Rattray car park. Scott’s
agreed that he would take the seal to New Deer and he set off by
foot back to his car at Scotstown car park. We headed back on a
slow journey to Rattray car park where we were to rendezvous with
Scott. We continued to monitor the pups condition which appeared
to be worsening. As soon as Scott arrived we placed (squeezed) the
kennel in the back of his Corsa and he set off to Grampian Wildlife
Trust.
Overall this was a very successful rescue with excellent
communications, utilisation of all our equipment and above all teamwork
from both those on and off the scene.
We would like to thank everyone that was involved
with making this rescue possible, including vigilant members of
the public, Buchan Co-ordinator Andy Ireland, Buchan Volunteers
Scott Doutre and Elaine Helyer, Montrose Co-ordinator Elaine Roft,
Lawrence and GWT and Grampian Police.
Update from Scott
Doutre
Pup arrived at GWT at 1520. Scott placed the seal in to the free
pen as Lawrence was out on a call. All of the details were left
with GWT for Lawrence on his return.
Andy Ireland
- British Divers Marine Life Rescue – Buchan Regional Co-ordinator
[Picture
by Andy Ireland]
Medic
takes a walk in the Peruvian mountains
by Tracy Guild
A
huge thanks to Tracy for submitting this account of her trip to
Peru and for raising £190 on her walk to Machu Picchu. Here
is her account ..... click on the pics to enlarge.
On August
the 12th 2006, at an unearthly time in the morning, I apprehensively
set off to Heathrow airport. I wasn't just apprehensive due to the
3 week adventure that laid ahead but more because of the terrorist
threat which had happened just 2 days before. The target, an American
Airlines plane, flying from London to America. My destination London
to Peru, via Miami on, yes you guessed it, American Airlines!! Considering
I had to fly for over 13hour with nothing but a clear plastic bag,
my passport & money for company, (they 
wouldn't
even let you take a book or a packet of mints on board)the flight
wasn't too bad.
Over the next 2 weeks I travelled around Peru,
seeing various amazing sights and being overwhelmed by the wonderful
people. From the coast and sea lions to the incredible Nazca Lines,
Colca Canyon & Lake Titicaca.
Eventually the final week was upon us &
we headed for Cusco & the legendary Inca Trail. This is what
I was really here for. The trek on the Inca Trail to the facinating
city of Machu Picchu.
I had expected the trek to be difficult &
I'd already experienced the shortness of breath at 2000m above sea
level. How would I manage at 4200m?
There were so many
highlights to the trek itself & the senery was just incredible!
But there were a few low 
points
thrown in and that would probably include nearly freezing to death
over night in our tent despite wearing thermals, hat, gloves...&
then being worken at 5am with a bowl of potato porridge & having
to ascend Dead Womans Pass!
Turning the final corner & climbing the
last set of steps to Machu Picchu was amazing. It was a really emotional
feeling to finally be at the Sun Gate, looking down over the famous
city. After 4 days of walking, blisters & altitude headaches
it was hard to believe I'd finally made it. It was even better to
know that I had raised some money for British Divers.
Thank you to everyone who sponsored me it really
helped to keep me going when the going got tough!
Tracy Guild
(MMM)
Pup
rescued from Freswick, Scotland by Paula Gent
12th November
During the initial talking to Andy
about the pup "Snappy", what had been done by the vet
the previous day and what had happened during the journey my phone
went and it was medic Jim Thomson. He was on Freswick Beach and
had found the other pup that we were initially more concerned about
as it looked borderline skinny the other day (Thursday last week)
and had not been able to find it on Saturday. He said it was in
a very bad way so was looking like it would be our second lift in
two days. I passed the phone to Andy who listened to Jim and advised
ringing Elaine or Jamie to make arrangements and also sending pictures
to Cameron the vet for confirmation of its condition. I spoke to
Jim and he said he would call Mandy when he had confirmation of
this being a lift and I said I would get another one or two people
down to the beach to give him a hand. We said our goodbyes on the
phone and went back to the job in hand.
We removed Snappy from her black box onto the tarpaulin
on the grass so Andy could have a proper look at the wounds and
infected eye. She/he was not happy and went straight back in lol.
After a little persuasion she was out again and Andy was on top
of her trying to hold her head still so Davey could clean her eye
up. This was an interesting battle and after a few minutes snappy
won and we learnt Davey has very quick reactions, he likes to keep
hold of his fingers tips. The rest of the wounds on its flippers
were treated with oxytetracycline (blue antibiotic spray) and she
was allowed to take refuge in her box again. All in all this was
about an hour in Fochabers, we loaded snappy and her box into Andrews
car, said our goodbyes and thanks and set off back to meet up with
Jim and the other pup "Sniffy" at some point after we
had caught up on the phone with what was happening.
Just as we were approaching Inverness we spoke to
Jim and told him that we had contacted Ju to give him a hand on
Freswick and that she had his number to liase directly with him
for timings on being there, he confirmed that he had contacted mandy
and that they were on their way to the beach then as Cameron had
seen the pictures from Jim and stated it was a definite lift. A
few seconds later my phone rang again (14.50) with a member of the
public reporting a seal on the rocks at the burn between Scrabster
and Thurso beaches that she was concerned about. We took details
and then rang Karen Munro and David Sutherland as they live right
above this spot on the cliff tops, asked them to team up and have
a look at the seal and let us know what the situation was. We passed
on the callers details as she was happy to take them to the pup
that she had seen on the rocks. I contacted Tony Woodley at this
point to let him know we had had another call and let him know what
was happening with the other two pups from Freswick.
After this stop at Tesco’s for fuel and phone
calls and pop we carried our journey back north to pick up pup number
two of the day.
The phone signal is
not great along the A9 in places and after getting hold of Jim,
who had just got the pup into the other black box, arrangements
were made to meet at Latheron for swap over. Jim informed us that
Ju (who is a vet) had suspected pneumonia or tracheobronquitis (sp?)
and very concentrated urine with maybe traces of blood in it as
it was very dehydrated and in a bad way. We didn’t mess around,
it was cold and windy and thrashing down with rain and we needed
to get the pup into the dry so we quickly swapped over the box 
into
our truck and set off back to meet with Nick Duthie at Inverness
in Tesco’s car park for him to tube this little one and check
it over. Davey again kept an eye on the pup during the journey,
it’s breathing was calmer than snappy and this one was nicknamed
‘sniffy’ due to all the mucous dripping out of its nose.
After a wet and blustery journey we arrived at Tescos with sniffy
at about 19.50 and quickly spotted Nick who had arrived about 15
minutes beforehand.
"Sniffy"
on uplift - Photo Jim Thomson
We got sniffy out and Nick fed her fluids 200ml
(I think) Lectade and he then cleaned her eyes which again seemed
like they were infected and were certainly all gunky. We did not
hang around long, it was very windy and the pup needed to get to
its destination of New Deer quickly so again we said our thanks
and goodbyes and left our separate ways.
At 22.30 I received a text from Nick saying sniffy
had arrived safely and we let him know we were about another ten
minutes or so from home (well, make that half an hour after picking
the daughter up from out at Forss).
What a weekend, an
exhausting and thoroughly enjoyable time was had by myself and Davey,
I can’t say thank you enough to everyone involved. Again I
can honestly say I am proud to be a part of such a great team.
Paula Gent
- BDMLR Caithness Coordinator
Further report
re "Sniffy"
by Elaine Roft
12.11.06 Having just
done a pup changeover with Buchan Co-ordinator Andy Ireland and
on her way back home, Caithness Co-ordinator Paula Gent has been
informed of yet another pup at Thurso in need of uplift. Jim Thomson
(Thurso Medic) has taken photographs and sent them to BDMLR Consulting
Vet Cameron McPherson for his opinion. Cameron has confirmed to
Jim that the pup (weaned grey) is dehydrated and malnourished and
is a definite uplift candidate. Montrose Co-ordinator Elaine Roft
sets the ball in motion again and organises anothr relay (our second
today). Aberdeenshire Co-ordinator Nick Duthie is happy to travel
to Inverness to meet up with paula and Elaine has booked a seal
pen with Laurence Brain at GWT.
16.00hrs Nick Duthie plans to set off for Inverness taking a Medic
kit and tubing equipment with him. Laurence has called Elaine with
instructions for Nick Duthie on where the pup is to be housed on
its arrival. Elaine has updated Nick on this. ETA for Nick and Paula
meeting is 19.00hrs
20.20hrs Nick Duthie just called Elaine to confirm pup changeover
for stage 2 of relay to GWT. 200mls lectade plus administered, a
few abrasions to entire of body, a few natal hairs still present
on rear flippers, pup has scummy eyes tinged with blue color, very
thin, despite fluid intake in a flatish state. Elaine will confirm
ETA of "Sniffy" to Laurence
21.03hrs Nick is approximately 2 hours away from GWT. ETA 23.00
- 23.30hrs.
22.30hrs Nick has arrived at GWT and "Sniffy" is in the
indoor pen with pool. Fingers firmly crossed that the 
pup
survives the night.
Thanks to Jim Thomson
(Caithness Medic), Paula Gent (Caithness Co-ordinator) & Dave
Benson, Caithness Vets Elaine Roft (Montrose Co-ordinator), Nick
Duthie (Aberdeenshire Co-ordinator), Laurence Brain GWT, Tony Woodley
BDMLR Director.
"Sniffy"
in transit to GWT Photo Nick Duthie
Elaine Roft
- British Divers Marine Life Rescue - Montrose/Arbroath Area Co-ordinator
Grey
Seal Pup "Snappy" by Paula Gent
11th
November 2006
After a couple of calls earlier on in the week
about a very healthy rounded pup losing its furry white coat and
a slimmer weaned pup an observation was decided upon today due to
the weather conditions up here at the moment.
Myself and Davey took a ride over to Freswick
with my daughter (Karina 15) and her friend (Lisa 15) to hopefully
catch sight of the two pups and see how they are faring.
We pulled up at the end of the track in the
area used for vehicles to turn and Davey got out and looked over
the edge to see the fattest one of the two if it was still in the
same place, he called me over as he climbed down the slight embankment
saying it didn’t look good. The pup was lying prone on it’s
back with a visible open wound in its belly/side that was bleeding
also very bulging eyes that were very dirty and weeping yukky stuff.
When I got a bit closer I could also see that
a thinnish yellow discharge was running out of the nose, a bloody
rear flipper and it could not turn over.
As I started to make phone calls for advice
to Tony and Elaine, Davey walked the beach to see if the slimmer
one was still there, but there was no sign of it, so we will have
to assume for now that it was off hunting (this second slimmer one
will be checked on again tomorrow by medic Clair Davidson).
After speaking to Tony Woodley and then Elaine
Roft with a very patchy signal it was decided to lift this pup and
get it to the vet for treatment to the wounds. After trying to get
hold of the pup for about 10 minutes we eventually got it into the
seal stretcher, that had fortuitously arrived a couple of days ago
and was in the car, and huffing and puffing we managed to get it
into the back of the truck. While on the way back to Thurso, medic
Richard Bradleys wife rang us and we explained what was happening
and could she get hold of the vet in Thurso to warn them of our
arrival, which she did and rang us back to let us know we were expected.
We arrived at the vets and one of the younger
ones came out to see the seal, we pointed out what we already could
see and knew about and off he went to get some stuff. He returned
a few minutes later and the seal was lifted out of the back of the
truck so he could see the wounds properly which he cleaned, sprayed
with an antibiotic spray and then gave the seal an injection of
antibiotics too.
I got hold of medic Karen Munro to bring down
the black container for the seal to travel in which she duly did
and we loaded the seal up and set off home. Elaine had spoken to
James Barnett BDMLR vet too for me and pictures were taken of the
wounds for him to assess whether we release the seal tomorrow or
it is to travel on for more treatment and rehab. During taking the
photos I took the opportunity to give it a quick check and it has
got a temp of 37.5c and roughly weighs in at 30 to 35kg.
James rang me to say
it was a rehab candidate, so arrangements where made for rehab.The
pup was settled down for the night and was regularly checked on
and it seemed happy enough though a little grumpy if we got close.
At 9am we decided
it was time to set off though we didn’t know where to yet,
so I emailed Jamie and said 
we
were heading off with the pup towards Inverness as that was a couple
of hours journey anyway and to ring us when he knew where we were
going. So the journey began about 9.15am.
Jamie rang us after
about half an hour or so, we had just turned off the causewaymire
and were on the route south literally just at Latheron telling us
arrangements where made for us to be met by Andrew Ireland (Buchan
Area Coordinator) at Fochabers so we just carried on with a steady
drive keeping the pup as cool as we could.
"Snappy"
on uplift from Thurso. Photo Paula Gent
Paula Gent
- BDMLR Caithness Coordinator
Further
Report re "Snappy" by Elaine Roft
12th November
10.11hrs Jamie Dyer
(NW Highlands Co-ordinator) Calls Montrose Co-ordinator Elaine Roft
informing her that Paula Gent (Caithness Co-ordinator) is currently
en route from Thurso with a seal pup travelling to Middlebank. Could
Elaine call Middlebank to ask availability of a seal pen and could
we assist with a relay. Elaine advises breaking the seals journey
in half by taking it to Lauence Brain of Grampian Wildlife Trust
working on a relay system. Jamie is happy with this arrangement.
10.14hrs Elaine calls Laurence Brain who is happy to accommodate
the pup. Will Elaine keep him updated on progress of journey and
ETA.
10.25hrs Natalie Simmons is in Buchan Area and unable to do a relay
from Inveness. Elaine calls Andy Ireland (Buchan Co-ordinator) who
agrees to travel to Fochabers to meet Paula for the second stage
of the relay. Jamie Dyer will establish contact with Paula to notify
her of change of plans. (Paula currently outwith signal area) and
to keep Elaine updated on pups progress and journey progress
10.30hrs Tony BDMLR Head Office is notified of the change of plans
- taking pup to GWT instead of Middlebank
11.00hrs Jamie has established contact with Paula who is now heading
for Fochabers ETA 2 hrs (13.00hrs)
11.05 Elaine asks Andy to leave Buchan Area and head for Fochabers
to meet Paula for changeover (Baxters Factory car park) Andy taking
medic kit with him ETA 1 1/2 hrs (13.25hrs) depending on traffic.
paula updated on meeting place - Baxters soup factory car park
11.27 Jamie Dyer Updated on relay progress
11.53 Paula updates Elaine on pup. Pups temp 36.5 / resp was 19bpm
down to 13-14bpm remaing steady at this / lying on its back / rear
flippers very hot and steaming.
12.00 Andy Ireland has reached Banff
12.20hrs BDMLR Consulting Vet Cameron McPherson has been updated
on relay / progress etc by Elaine Roft. Cameron advised keeping
up ventilation and spraying process and if possible administer fluids
without putting ourselves at risk (this is a very fiesty pup)
12.35hrs hrs Andy Ireland has arrived at Fochabers / Paula approximately
25 miles away. Andy updated on Paulas whereabouts by Elaine. Elaine
has asked Andy to take a note from paula of all fluids and medication
that pup has received prior to transportation along with dates and
times for handing to Laurence Brain when it 
arrives
at GWT and for updating BDMLR Vet James Barnett & BDMLR Consulting
Vet Cameron McPherson and NW Highlands Co-ordinator Jamie Dyer
13.38 Paula Gent and Andy Ireland have now met up for stage 2 of
the relay to GWT
14.15hrs Pup is now en route to GWT ETA 15.15hrs. Temp remained
at 36.5, wounds were sprayed with oxytetracycline and pup sprayed
down. Admininstering of fluids was not possible due to the pups
aggressiveness. Elaine updated Head Office, Jamie Dyer, Cameron
McPherson and Laurence Brain.
15.32hrs Andy has arrived with Snappy at GWT. Laurence has administered
150mls of Lectade plus and 3 fish were presented which was eagerly
eaten
Many thanks to all
those involved. Paula Gent (Caithness Co-ordinator) & Dave Benson,
Caithness Vets, BDMLR Vet James Barnett, Jamie Dyer (NW Highlands
Co-ordinator), BDMLR Consulting Vet Cameron McPherson, Elaine Roft
(Montrose Co-ordinator) & Team, Andy Ireland (Buchan Co-ordinator)
&Team, Laurence Brain (Grampian Wildlife Trust), Tony Woodley
(BDMLR Director)
"Snappy"
at GWT. Photo Andy Ireland
Elaine Roft
- British Divers Marine Life Rescue - Montrose/Arbroath Area Co-ordinator
Busy
Day for North Scotland Medics by Paula Gent
9th November 2006
After a couple of
calls about a pup on Freswick beach today medic Julianna said she
would have a walk with her son and also medic Jim Thomson went over
to have a look.
There, just at the entrance to the beach, was a very round molting
grey seal pup that was happily watching what was going on around
and ‘tasting’ the sea weed around it. I guess mum has
not long left it for weaning and it is exploring what is edible
and what isn’t. This pup is more than healthy so original
callers were contacted just explain just to leave the pup alone,
keep dogs away etc.
As it was a nice afternoon Ju and her son walked on along the beach
and about half way to Freswick Castle they came upon another pup.
Again this was a molting grey but with a neck line and some rolls
of spare skin. Ju rang me and let me know about this pup at about
4.30pm saying she thought it was a definite lift for that evening,
so arrangements were made to go out a little later and meet up with
Ju to assess the pup.
In the mean time,
Jim had gone to Sannick Bay to have a general check around due to
all the bad weather we have been having. He rang me a few minutes
after I had spoken to Julianna saying we had a young pup down on
the beach that a member of public had lifted up and carried and
put into the water. Oh Heck L The guy was very apologetic and hadn’t
realise he had done wrong, someone else walking the beach had explained
to him that this is not what the pups need and he was on his way
to get the number off the strandings poster to let someone know
what had happened when he walked into Jim. Jim put a couple of light
sticks in the sand to mark where the pup was for me to return to
it on my way to Freswick later –what a brilliant idea!- and
unfortunately had to shoot off as prior arrangements had been made
for his evening.
After finishing work at 7pm I collected Davey and the kit of seal
bags and towels and torches and the vari kennel and set off. Sannick
was the first port of call, and the light sticks were glowing nicely
to lead us to the pup. It was a strange experience in the fact that
this beach is usually full of adults, there was not one about, neither
on the sand or in the water that we could see and we had some powerful
torches with us and a fullish moon that kept creeping into view
to give us added light. The little pup (Cuddles) was approached
and picked up very easily and taken off to the car back on the road
with no effort or fighting from it.
I contacted Ju as soon as we got a phone signal to say to meet over
at Freswick to have a look at this older pup and twenty minutes
later we were walking the beach. We found the pup still about half
way down towards the Castle above the high water mark, by now the
moon was glowing in a starry sky; it was a pleasant evening walk.
On approaching the
pup, maybe as far as 30ft away it hissed and growled its warning
at us, so a cautious approach allowed us to see that is was about
half way through losing its white fur, had a visible neckline and
the rolls of skin, but the hips were not visible, so it was decided
that Ju would return the following day in daylight to see if it
was still there and I will go out there on Saturday to see if there
is any change in its condition.
We
returned to the cars and went our own ways; I thanked Ju for a late
trip out and headed off home with Cuddles safely in the kennel.
By the time we got home she was still cold and wet so out came the
towels to cuddle her into and a better look over while stuff was
being prepared for giving her fluids. We found she was a girl and
weighed 9.25kg with a hand towel wrapped around her no marks or
abrasions were visible on her body anywhere. Roughly 80ml of fluid
was given at about 10pm and then we managed to finish drying her
off and settled her in the kennel for a while with plans being made
for transport to Middlebank the next day if she survived the night.
She awoke at 5.45am and another 100ml of fluid was given her kennel
checked for cleanliness and she was returned to it to settle down
again.
Medic Richard Bradley
called around at 10.30am on his way to Montrose to do the RYA powerboat
course that Elaine Roft has organised and picked up Cuddles to transport
her off down the road to meet with Cameron near Tayport. We wished
Richard a good journey and weekend, and said goodbye and good luck
and watched them set off on what would be a mammoth journey for
the little one.
Update from Elaine
10.25hrs Sue White at BDMLR Head Office called Elaine Roft (Montrose
& Arbroath Group) asking if we could assist with the relay of
an unweaned grey seal pup coming from Thurso to Middlebank
Medic Paul Horne was free to meet Richard at Dundee (who was transporting
the pup down), However, it was quicker and in the interest of the
pups health for Richard to make his way to Tayport once in Dundee
(1 mile off the beaten track of his journey to Montrose) where BDMLR
Consulting vet Cameron McPherson would be waiting to administer
fluids to "Cuddles" and assess condition. Elaine had called
Cameron to confirm this and was given the ok. Elaine also asked
if Cameron had enough Lectade Plus and veterinary stomach tubes
etc (If not, the Montrose team would come down to Dundee with these).
Elaine confirmed she would give an ETA for pup arriving at Tayport
approx 40 minutes in advance when she had an update from Richard
13.25hrs Richard and "Cuddles" are approximately 40 minutes
away from Inverness and all is going well
15.39hrs Richard is 40 minutes away from Perth but is concerned
that the pup may have stopped breathing. Elaine advises to pull
over and try to get a breathing rate and stimulate the pup.(It was
difficult to get bpm, but the pup stirred after stimulation) Cameron
McPherson is updated that the pup is almost in Perth but breathing
rate has dropped and the pup appears to have gone in a "flat
state". An ETA at SSPCA Middlebank is also confirmed - 18.00
- 19.00hrs and we are advised to call Middlebank when "Cuddles"
is half an hour from arrival so that staff can reopen the rehab
unit.
18.05hrs Cameron has now taken receipt of the pup and updated Elaine,
fluids have been administered, temp reading is sitting at 35degrees
and pup is hypothermic. "Cuddles" is now on her way to
Middlebank with Vet Cameron McPherson and Richard heads for Montrose.
Head Office (Sue, Tony, Trevor) and Paula Gent (Caithness Co-coordinator)
are updated by Elaine on the pups present condition.
Update from Cameron
Richard arrived just prior to 6pm, so we immediately got the pup
out of the back of his car to have a look. It was very depressed
with shallow, occasional respirations, but did become more alert
when we began to handle it. It was very thin, small (as had been
previously mentioned) and dehydrated. Rectal temperature was 35.1
deg C. I administered 100ml of lectade and then proceeded to Middlebank.
On arrival there the pup was placed in a pen with a heat lamp, and
after a period of 20-30 min, the plan was to administer a further
150ml of fluid this evening. The log number is 2356 and it has the
codename 'Alan'. Hopefully it will do ok, but unfortunately the
outlook is a little grim.
Final update received
this morning 11th November at about 9am
Elaine has just rang to say Middlebank have
been in touch to say that Cuddles died during the night. RIP Cuddles
at least you are now warm and not alone.
I would just like
to sincerely thank everyone involved every step of the way, from
Jim for the initial reporting, Ju for the late walk, advice and
organization from Elaine, Sue, Jamie, Richard for taking the pup
south and what he did on the way to keep her going, Cameron for
being there to meet her and give her a chance and Middlebank for
all that they have done to try to get her through.
THANK YOU ALL
I am proud to be part of such a special team.
Paula Gent
- Caithness Coordinator
Hook
removed from seal, Merseyside
7th November
Dave Holden a medic in the West Kirby area was contacted
to say that there was an injured seal in the Little Eye area. Dave
went to see what the problem was and found the Common pup in good
body condition except for a large sea fishing hook embedded in it's
right jaw/lip. Dave was able to catch the pup and transported it
to RSPCA Stapely Grange Wildlife Centre where their vet removed
the hook and was assessed overnight. The next day after the vet
had given the pup a clean bill of health, Dave was able to release
the pup back to the wild.
Sue White
- BDMLR HQ
click
on images to enlarge |
|
|
Abandoned
seal pup rescued, Cornwall by Dave Jarvis
5th November 2006.
[ Images by Simon
Bone, click on image to enlarge]
This story begins on Friday 3rd November, when a
newborn grey seal pup was spotted by Cornwall Seal Group member
Karl Wheston in a cove around the Godrevy area. The pup’s
mother was in attendance and fed it before heading into the surf
during the early afternoon.
On the 4th, several
Cornwall Seal Group members including Sue Sayer, Terry Hocking and
Simon and Martin 
Bone
visited the site to check on the pup, but unfortunately the mother
was not seen at all during the day despite continual observation.
Sue contacted Coordinator Dave Jarvis who went up to assess the
situation with Medics Lesley and Dan Jarvis once it became apparent
that there was something wrong. Meanwhile, the pup continued to
traverse the beach calling for its mother, and risked being swept
away by the particularly high tides. That evening, Dave started
to put together plans and contacted Medics in advance for a possible
rescue the following day.
On the morning of the 5th, Sue was once again up
at the cove very early in the morning and there was still no sign
of the mother, so she contacted Dave, who in turn informed the Animal
Care Team at the National Seal Sanctuary. Staff members Marianne
Fellows and Rachael Vine came out from the centre to assist with
the rescue while Dave called out the forewarned Medics.
Meeting at the site,
it was decided that the pup did need to be rescued and taken for
rehabilitation, so Marianne and Coordinator Tim Bain, with Phil
and Dan Jarvis descended the cliffs with rescue equipment and safety
ropes while the others readied other rescue equipment and kept the
ever-growing crowd of onlookers 
under control.
Near the bottom of the cliff, Maz and Tim continued
down on to the beach while Phil and Dan remained above with the
safety ropes to act as support and an anchor point. The rescuers
on the beach strolled over to the sleeping pup and after a quick
visual assessment, caught it up and put it into the seal bag for
removal from the cove. Again the safety ropes were used for the
ascent to ensure everyone’s safety, and a short while later
they were all back at the top of the cliff where Maz and Dan checked
the animal for injuries, took its temperature and tube fed it fluids
before taking it back to the Sanctuary for rehabilitation.
A big well done to everyone from the Cornwall Seal
Group, BDMLR and National Seal Sanctuary who was involved with the
monitoring and rescue of this pup under difficult circumstances,
and also to the numerous members of the public who gave their support
throughout the operation.
Dave Jarvis
Cornwall Coordinator
British Divers Marine Life Rescue
Castletown/Dunnet
seal pup call out by Medic Karen Munro
5th November
I received a telephone call around 11 o'clock this morning from
the BDMLRs Tony Woodley concerning a seal pup at Castletown, it
had been reported to the local SSPCA by a member of the public.
Tony had also contacted other medics, Sarah Henderson, Hannah Mainland,
and David Sutherland and we all met up at the given location which
was to the west of the harbour on the heritage trail.
When I arrived Sarah and Hannah were already there and David arrived
at the same time as myself. The pup was a weaned grey seal pup,
and was down on the rocks. When Hannah had arrived he was higher
up on the beach, but had then moved down onto the rocks. It looked
tired and initially moved away if anyone tried to get too close,
but I was able to get close while it was asleep for photos. I contacted
our co-ordinator Paula Gent, 
who
advised us to take photos and send them to her.
Sarah and myself both had photos and went home around 12 o'clock
to send them to Paula, who would then send them to Tony and Jamie
Dyer.
Hannah went home and David stayed to observe the pup and I organised
to go back out to David at 1.15 pm.
While at home Paula phoned to say that the pup was underweight and
would have to be lifted as soon as possible, but she had phoned
David beforehand and found out that the pup had gone back into the
water. I headed back out to Castletown and Paula was going to organise
the kennel and meet us out there. David was seeing 2 Grey seals
in the water, but they appeared to be adults.
Just before 2 o'clock Paula phoned to say that she had received
another telephone call from a gentleman near the Ranger centre at
Dunnet beach, and that she was going straight there.
Dunnet beach and Castletown are joined, and the 2 locations of the
pups were approximately 3 km apart. Was this the same pup?
David and myself decided to go over and meet up with the rest of
the team heading to Dunnet. Once there we 
met
Paula, Davey Benson, medic Jim Thomson and the gentleman who had
phoned in concerning the pup at Dunnet. We all headed down to the
pup who was at the edge of the water, and it was the same pup as
it had the same face markings and a brown mark on its side. He was
a weaned male pup who was underweight and was not exactly happy
about having us all around him, but Jim managed to get him under
the towel and with the help of Davey safely into the kennel. He
was then put into Jims vehicle and taken to Skarfskerry, where arrangements
had been made for Mike Salter to tube feed him fluids. Once fed
fluids Paula made the arrangements for him to be transported to
Oban, and Jim kindly volunteered to take him down.
If everything goes well this will be the teams second successful
rescue this week and is a big boost to the team.
A big thank you to all involved, the 2 members of public who kindly
phoned with regards to the pup, Jimmy Gunn at the SSPCA centre for
forwarding the call, Tony for getting in touch with us and being
on the phone for advice, Jamie for advice, medics Sarah, Hannah,
David, for their assistance, medic Jim for everything especially
transporting the pup south, Mike Salter for kindly giving the pup
fluids and our great co-ordinator Paula and her partner Davy for
making sure we were well organised, and insuring everything ran
smoothly. Can I finally thank Jamie for taking the pup and wish
them all the best in looking after him.
Karen
Munro - BDMLR Medic
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Update : 22.20hrs
- Natalie has met Jamie at Fort William where he has checked the
pup over. He estimates the pup weighs no more than 12kg and has
half a dozen scratches/abrasions over his body.
Can I just add to
the above that Tony helped with the transport arrangements by getting
hold of the Inverness area coordinator Natalie Simmons and a big
thank you to her too for the middle leg of the relay from Evanton
to Fort William where Jamie picked up the pup from Natalie.
Again a very big thank you to all involved
at every stage of the way :) i am proud of you all :)
Paula Gent
- Caithness Coordinator
Seal
pup rescued from Scourie (NW Scotland)
5th November
Bill
Mason's 8 month old collie found the seal pup, Bill went home phoned
wick Police who then contacted Tony Woodley of BDMLR.
While
Bill was checking the pup once more, armed with the information
I gave him so he could assess it's condition a little more accurately.
In the meantime I received a phone call from Pam Lucas, whom I already
know, she and some friends had already lifted the pup because it
appeared to have puncture wounds on it's neck and body also blood
around the muzzle.
Her friends Andy Mackenzie and Roger ? put it into a pickup and
once I agreed it needed lifted anyway they took it to a large shed
where it would be safe until we arrived. 
Here's a picture of the girls who also assisted - Elisabeth Lucas,
Pams daughter and Mhari Mackenzie Andy's daughter, who knows..,
future BDMLR members eh?
The pup is now here in Ullapool safe and sound. We have given Him
a clean up and he has been given lectade + antibiotics, he has lost
his white coat so I will get him on fish asap.
Beatrice
Brinkler - Highland Wildlife Hospital Trust
Common
seal pup uplift - Scotland
3rd November
[click
on images to enlarge]
A call was received by Elaine
Roft today at 11.58hrs from our new observer volunteer Donna MacDonald
who confirmed that a tiny seal pup had been hauled out all morning
on a pebbly foreshore and that it wasnt looking too good. Donna
said that the pup was making its way up a verge which leads to a
main road. Despite the tide going out, this pup was not happy in
its location and was generally looking dejected. Medics Paul Horne
& Willie Taylor were called & agreed to collect the transportation
tank with Elaine leaving for the locus immediately whilst Donna
was happy to babysit to prevent the pup making its way to the road.
Paul & Willie who had arrived before Elaine, managed to uplift
the seal pup which was virtually still surrounded by water. Elaine
identified the pup as "Amber" one of this years common
pups (born at the end of September) which has been monitored regulary
and showed signs of poor swimming abilities. Respiration was taken
and remained at 17bpm, with very pale mucous membranes and prominent
hips. Estimated weight 14-15kg. A seal pen was booked at SSPCA Middlebank
after Alexis agreed that the pup should be given routine worming
as there was a possibility that it was suffering from lungworm and
/ or pneumonia. "Amber" was taken from the scene at 13.00hrs
and arrived at Middlebank at 15.30hrs weighing in at 11.8kg. Many
thanks to Donna & Cindy (for staying with the pup), Medics Elaine
Roft, Paul Horne & Willie Taylor, Tayforth Co-ordinator Allan
Muir (who was on standby to assist with a relay if required), Cameron
McPherson (BDMLR Consulting vet), Staff at SSPCA Middlebank (Inverkeithing)
Picture below shows
"Amber" on uplift & in her pen at Middlebank
Whilst dropping "Amber"
off today - we were informed that "Morris" (Henry) our
previous rescue is now at Deep Sea World for pre-release and "Vectra"
(Sniffy) is now self feeding at Middlebank. See picture below
Middlebank also accommodated their first Grey Seal Pup of the season
(a whitecoat) that was uplifted from Kingsbarns in Fife by BDMLR
Consulting Vet Cameron McPherson
Elaine Roft
British Divers Marine Life Rescue - Montrose/Arbroath Area Co-ordinator
Skarfskerry
(Scotland) seal pup rescue
1st November
Our November calls started on the 1st day of
the month. At about 11.45am I received a call from one of the team
who had been contacted by the local SSPCA regarding a pup that had
been reported to them the day before. After getting the details
of the original reporter, I contacted HO to let them know the score
and that arrangements were being made to take a trip out to the
pup at 2pm.
I met Mandy at Dunnet Ranger Station car park
at 13.45 and we set off for Scarfskerry to meet up with the very
nice couple that had made the original call. Both of them were out
to meet us as we drove up the track to show us where the pup was,
which was very good of them as it was raining, hailing and very
windy coming straight off the sea and into us on the rocks.
We spotted the pup near the bottom of the small
cliff and we both looked at each other and knew it would be a lift
straight away. Davey went back to the car for the seal bag and the
larger towel, I collected my rubber gloves and off we went for a
small climb to give him a closer inspection. When we got closer
we could see that he had a pussy umbilical area, very sticky eyes,
he was sort of sneezing every now and then, blood in his mouth and
under his chin from what I can only guess is being bashed about
on the rocks and both flippers on the underside were red raw and
bleeding and looked pussy in places.
He wasn’t a happy bunny with us but only when we got to within
a foot of his head which he then would use to turn round and snap
and spit and snarl at us with, but it seemed he was too tired to
try and move properly. I must apologise for the lack of photographs
of him in situ, but the weather was a little severe.
I dropped a towel
on him and we maneuvered him into the bag to get him back up the
cliff. The couple told us
that they had not seen any adults in the area the two days they
had been watching him, but he was not at all skinny, he had maybe
only been without feed a day or two so possibly got washed around
in the storms recently.
After getting him up the cliff, he was transferred into the vari
kennel and loaded into Mandy’s car and then we went inside
and made a phone call to Jamie. Jamie very kindly got in touch with
Bea for us and arrangements were made to meet Michael at Dingwall
for the handover of the pup.
We said our thanks to Mr & Mrs Hill, and
then set off back to Thurso. After a quick change into dry clothes,
Mandy left Thurso for Dingwall and let me know the transfer had
taken place at 17.49 and then she arrived safely home at 20.08.
A big thank you to Mandy for coming out and
doing the trip south with “Skerry” and once again a
big Thank you to Bea and Jamie for sorting collection/transfer/rehab
for him, we all hope he does well and will be right as rain soon.
Paula Gent
– Caithness Coordinator
