Porthgwarra
seal pup
30th December 2007
While dealing with an entangled
gannet (see separate report), Coordinator Dave Jarvis was also informed
of a seal hauled out in a cave at Porthgwarra, near Land’s
End. Medics Rob & Jenny Gray were sent out to begin assessing
the animal and preventing public disturbance while Dave, Lesley
& Dan Jarvis dropped off the gannet for rehabilitation in St
Ives.
On
arrival Rob & Jenny found that the people living nearby that
had reported the animal had erected ropes across the entrances to
the cave with a warning sign to keep people away from it. Once Dave,
Lesley & Dan arrived, the pup was then given a full assessment
by the medics. The temperature was found to be a little high at
just over 38C, and seemed very tired, putting up little resistance.
Aside from this the female seal pup had a few minor injuries to
her rear flippers and was a little underweight.
Following
consultation with National Seal Sanctuary staff, it was decided
to bring the pup in for rehabilitation, so she was loaded into the
seal bag and removed from the beach, and then transferred to the
seal cage in the car park, before being taken away.
Dave
Jarvis
Director and Cornwall Area Coordinator
British Divers Marine Life Rescue
A
four-rescue busy day on East Yorkshire beaches
30th December
On
Sunday 30th December we went to Spurn Point with the full family
for a nice beach combing adventure. Tracey (medic) and Steve also
went for a walk and the plan was to meet at the end of the day for
a nice chat and get together. The day went along great and we collected
a treasure trove of old wood, nets, plastic containers... At 4pm
we received a call from Alan asking for a relay for a seal pup just
rescued coming from Scarborough and needing to go to East Winch.
Struggling to go back to the car loaded with our booty, we passed
the Spurn Point Ranger Andy who informed us that some walkers had
just reported a seal pup with an eye injury lying at the bottom
of the lighthouse. We contacted Tracey who was still far away from
her car and drove (this time!!) back to the lighthouse. 'Patch'
was visibly losing the eye, the head was swollen, he was underweight
and I believe in pain. He was arching his back and he was generally
very quiet. Temperature was 36.09. We quickly sent a picture to
Alan and decided to transport the pup to the vet as it was now 4.30
and getting dark. Thanks to Tracey‘s help in transporting
the pup, we were also able to hang on to our beach combing treasures.
While driving over to the other side of Hull Alan reported another
seal at Skipsea. Nick, John and friend (sorry did not get the name)
all Humber medics went to the search. Skipsea is a notoriously difficult
beach to find seals. It was now dark and approaching 6pm. At the
vet’s the pup received the usual rehydration, antibiotic and
anti-inflammatory. Bev and Ryan were also there with their pup.
Dave Murray and Russel, yet again and at short notice, were able
to complete the relay to East Winch and also volunteered to return
the next day for the expected Skipsea pup.
Joel,
Steve, Tracey, Ryan, Bev and I then went for a coffee where we heard
that the pup in Skipsea had probably gone back in the water. So
I said, to the horror of everyone ‘that maybe these two were
the last seals of 2007!!!!’
So
little did I know that as soon as I arrived home to prepare some
kind of dinner at 10pm, HQ would ring reporting a seal in the middle
of a road in Hornsea. So Joel and I just went. We got there at 11.30pm.
Lindsay and Lisa (two members of the public) had stayed with the
pup for two hours. They were driving home and saw something on the
road. The pup had shuffled across the main road on to the pavement,
150 yds uptown from the promenade and was leaning against the amusement
arcade but still dangerously near the road. Thanks girls for your
patience and determination to see the little pup safe for the night.
The pup was quiet and sleepy. Temp was 36.4. A flesh wound on the
back was quite deep. He looked underweight and definitely not safe
where he was and the access gate to the beach was closed. So with
Alex‘s (HQ) help we arrived back at the vet at 1am. The pup,
now called Ollie rested overnight after being given the usual first
aid at the vet’s and he was transported the next day by Dave
and Russell. We went back home at 2am. I have learnt not to temp
fate with seals rescues.
Thanks
everyone, Tracey, Steve, Andy, Phil (Vet), Alan, the Skipsea Team,
Dave, Russell, Alex, Bev, Ryan, Lindsay and Lisa (mops), the late
shift - Fernando (Vet) and nurse, for all your help and continuing
support at all hours, in all weather and in any occasions.
Freddie and
Joel Taylor (Humber and East Yorkshire Medics)
Pup
rescue – Arbroath
30th December 2007
11.05
am I received a call from Pauline of Tayside Police who in turn
had taken a call from a member of the public (Mrs Taylor) informing
of a seal, reported as being, not a pup, but not an adult, on the
beach at Elliot which was dying. Medic Bob Pert was contacted and
responded to the call immediately. Meantime I provisionally booked
a seal pen at SSPCA Middlebank, (the last space available) and said
confirmation would be given later if the pup would arrive today
or tomorrow depending on its current wellbeing. Gareth Norman of
Shanwell Wildlife Rescue trust was also called for provision of
a seal pen (short term) should intravenous fluids be required overnight
prior to transportation to Middlebank the next day. This would be
carried out by PDSA Vet / BDMLR Medic and assisting Vet Susan Somers,
who I had also called and placed on standby for possible euthanasia
etc. This would be confirmed to Susan on hearing back from Medic
Bob Pert when he arrived on scene. BDMLR on call Alex Levine was
updated and in particular was given confidential info for BDMLR
records re-euthanasia.
Elaine Roft
- Montrose / Arbroath Area Co-ordinator
11.05 Elaine phoned
to say a pup had been seen on the Elliot beach at Arbroath. The
person who phoned had said that it appeared to be dying. On finding
the location of the animal, it was confirmed that the animal was,
as reported, dying. It was lying on it's left side and barely breathing.
It was also totally unresponsive.
A quick call to Elaine
to confirm the condition of the animal (and my doubts as to moving
the animal from it's location for euthanasia) it was arranged for
the vet to attend the animal at it's location. Susan Somers was
called by Elaine to confirm euthanasia on the beach (which she was
happy to do), seal pen at Middlebank was cancelled by Elaine and
Gareth called and asked to "stand down".
In the meantime Gareth Norman from Shanwell Wildlife Rescue Trust
joined us and, after succeeding in getting his vehicle to the location
on the beach, it was decided to move the animal a short distance
to the relative privacy of a grassy area.
The attending Vet,
Susan Somers from the Dundee PDSA, also BDMLR Medic and assisting
BDMLR Vet attended and euthanased the pup at approximately 13.00hrs.
20mls of Euthatal was administered intrathoracic / pericardial.
It was during her examination of the animal that it was noticed
that there was an old wound to the right side of the mouth and the
tongue was severely damaged (necrotic infected tissue) She was not
sure how this injury had come about, possibilities being that the
seal had bitten into something sharp, or had chewed an electric
cable (although electric shock would not happen under water) in
her opinion, and suggested an autopsy given that the time scale
of injuries was 24-48hrs. With half the seals tongue missing it
would not have been able to feed although whilst tending to it,
its condition was noted as being extremely good. On speaking with
Elaine it was arranged to have the animal taken to our vets in Laurencekirk
who would perform a full post mortem once James Barnett (BDMLR Vet)
had given the ok which was confirmed via Alex Levine (BDMLR on call).
The seal pen at Middlebank was also cancelled.
The pup was then transferred to my vehicle and, later, Medic Thom
McNeill arrived at my home to take the animal to Montrose where
it was picked up by Elaine for post mortem on Monday morning.Updates
on the pups outcome were passed on to Tayside Police and the member
of the public. Autopsy report and call out report will be passed
on to Head Office, James Barnett and Susan Somers in due course.
Photos of inside the pups mouth will be taken tomorrow for vet records
and sex determined.
Sincere thanks to
Mrs Taylor (Member of the Public), Tayside Police Central Control
Dundee (Pauline), Medics Elaine Roft, Bob Pert, Thom McNeil, SSPCA
Middlebank, BDMLR on call Alex Levine & Karen Kirk, BDMLR Vet
James Barnett, PDSA Vet & BDMLR Medic & Vet Susan Somers,
Gareth Norman (Shanwell Wildlife Rescue Trust) and Robson &
Partners Vets at Laurencekirk.
Picture attached
shows our poor wee pup lying on the beach. The mystery injury can
be seen to the jaw.
Bob Pert
- Montrose / Arbroath Assistant Co-ordinator
Net
entangled gannet, Cornwall
30th December 2007
At around 0900hrs a call came in
via Alex Levine, BDMLR On-call Coordinator, about a gull caught
in some fishing net at Peter’s Point, near Gwithian, Hayle,
but was still out in the surf. Coordinator Dave Jarvis and medics
Lesley and Dan Jarvis quickly headed over the sand dune from their
home to see what could be done.
They met with the caller, Kay, who pointed out the bird now sitting
above the tide line further up the beach. While she helped to keep
people and dogs from getting too close, Dave waved a long handled
net at the bird, now identified as a young gannet, while Lesley
cut off the watery escape route and Dan subdued it with a towel.
The net was caught all around the animal’s beak, and was a
very old, frayed type of rope, which took about 20 minutes to cut
off completely.
Having successfully freed the bird,
and judging by the number of times it had tried to bite Dan through
the thick protective gloves, it was decided to let it go to see
how it reacted. It hopped a few times towards the sea and then seemed
to think better of it, instead electing to sit down and look at
the medics with some degree of annoyance. Due to the presence of
approaching people and dogs, it was then decided to take the gannet
away for treatment with Jackie in St Ives.
The gannet was carefully wrapped
up in the towel and a coat, and then removed from the beach, before
being transferred into a box kindly donated by the nearby beach
café. From there it was taken to St Ives, where Jackie checked
it over and found it to be tired and slightly underweight, and to
be on the safe side handed it over to the RSPCA just in case it
had ingested any pieces of the rope it had been caught in.
Dave
Jarvis
Director and Cornwall Area Coordinator
British Divers Marine Life Rescue
Pup
rescue – North Yorkshire
26th December
We
were called out by Karen (on-call coordinator) around 8pm and asked
if we could assist Gary Pearson with a grey seal pup at Skinningrove.
Always happy to help, we were on the scene within 40 minutes. We
grabbed the torches and headed for the beach, after walking for
what seemed like miles there was no sign of the pup. When we retraced
our steps Gary found it and within minutes it was obvious that the
pup needed to be uplifted.
The
pup was quiet and reasonably docile so Gary decided to pounce on
it. He did it perfectly, and it was in the seal bag within minutes.
After a long walk back to the car park we transferred the pup into
the vari-kennel. Unfortunately it was too dark to get a good photograph,
but then the pup started coughing and the camera was put away so
we could put the kennel in the car away from the wind.
The
seal pup could be the twin of Kiev, a small pup from two weeks ago
that is being looked after at East Winch, same size, colour and
condition (is that possible). We then had a call from Karen with
the news that this little pup had to go to a vet in Scarborough,
around an hour away, so after giving the taxman a dose of cash via
the nearest petrol station we headed to the vets. We arrived at
the vets at about 11.30pm to find a friendly vet (always good to
see a smiling face) and we left the pup there in the kennel for
its journey south in the morning.
Happy
that the pup is in the first stage of its recovery, we headed home.
On arriving home about 1am I sang ‘happy birthday’ to
me then headed to bed for a lie-in.
Thanks
to Swanzdale Veterinary Clinic Scarborough who managed to stabilise
the pup over night, and to Bruce Pawson, David Murray and Russell
New, all MMM’s who relayed him down the country to East Winch
(RSPCA Norfolk Wildlife Hospital).
David Wilson
– BDMLR Marine Mammal Medic
REPORT
FROM GARY PEARSON YORKSHIRE REGION MMM
26TH DECEMBER 2007 15.35HRS
I was feeling fat
& full from Christmas falling asleep whilst watching James Bond
[Xmas tradition] when I received a call out from Bev Drayton.
A member of public
had found a Grey seal pup on Skinningrove beach [Cleveland]. I told
Bev I would go and take a look and headed for Skinningrove. 16.30hrs
Met a member of public – Paul Bigsby – at Skinningrove
beach car park. He showed me where the pup was.
16.55hrs Found the
seal pup. Initial assessment I determined that the pup ‘did
not know it was Christmas!’ Other than that it’s eyes
and nose were clear and flippers seemed ok. The pup did appear to
be a little under weight, breathing was hard to monitor in the torch
light but it seemed to take 7 breaths, then hold, then 7 more then
hold. Over 2 mins it worked out at about 21 breaths. The pup also
had a red mark resembling spray paint on it’s lower back.
We have since found out that pups are marked like this at the Farne
Islands off Northumberland.
The pup also seemed alert when I approached [it tried to bite me,
definitely no xmas spirit].
18.10hrs With the
tide coming up to high water and the pup being alert I did not want
to jump it unnecessarily so I decided I would monitor the pup in
a couple of hours, and see if it had returned to the sea on the
tide.
20.30hrs After discussion
with Bev Drayton and on duty national coordinator Karen, I returned
and was met by Tynemouth/Yorkshire medics David and Wayne Wilson.
21.05hrs We found the pup now well above the high tide mark and
phoned Bev for authorisation to ‘lift’ the pup and see
where we needed to transport it to. We then had a debate on who
was getting the ‘sharp end’ [I got the short straw!].
21.10hrs Whilst carrying
the pup back along the beach Dave found a dead seal. On inspection
it had been dead a while and unfortunately had severe damage to
the left hand side of it’s skull.
We got our pup back
to the vehicles and David and Wayne transported the pup down to
Scarborough for treatment and overnight stay.
Gary
Pearson – BDMLR Medic
Cornwall seal
callouts 20th – 29th December 2007
20th
December.
1200hrs: A seal was reported on Porthloo Beach, St Mary’s,
Isles of Scilly. As there are no medics currently on the islands,
an experienced contact, Mark Groves, was asked to take a look. He
reported back that the pup was in good condition and appeared to
be just resting from the rough seas, so was left to its own devices.
1300hrs:
A seal was reported sitting on the main part of the public beach
at Perranporth and needed to be relocated to a quieter place. However
the animal took matters into its own flippers and went back into
the sea before medics arrived.
21st
December.
0830hrs: Medics were sent out to assess a seal pup at Carbis Bay,
near St Ives, but it had disappeared back in the water before they
could get there due to public disturbance.
23rd
December.
0900hrs: An adult seal in poor condition was found stranded at Harlyn
Bay, near Padstow, but it had died before medics arrived on site.
The body was then measured and photographed for the Cornwall Wildlife
Trust Marine Strandings Network.
1700hrs:
A call this time to a pup at Polzeath, on the other side of Padstow
from the earlier incident. Once again the animal had vanished back
into the water before anyone could get there.
24th
December.
0845hrs: Medics were woken early by a report of a pup at St Ives.
This time the pup managed to get back in the sea before the medics
even had a chance to get on the road!
1500hrs:
Two reports came in simultaneously via the National Seal Sanctuary
about pups near Polzeath (probably the same one from the previous
day) and at Watergate Bay, near Newquay. Assistant Coordinator Jenny
Haley investigated the Watergate pup while others checked on the
Polzeath seal. Both animals had been disturbed away before they
could be assessed though.
27th
December.
1930hrs: Medic Bob Bulgin relocated a pup from the top of the slipway
in Port Isaac to a less public location nearby.
28th
December.
1030hrs: Coordinator Dave Jarvis and medics Lesley Jarvis and Sue
Sayer responded to a call to what was described as a net entangled
and injured whitecoat seal pup, still with its mother, at Cape Cornwall,
near Sennen. Arriving on site, the children that had found it, nor
the seals, could be found. However, upon searching nearby coves
with their concerned mother, they were eventually located. From
the various different accounts given, it would appear the children
had spotted a juvenile or adult ‘ringnecked’ seal, which
they had attempted to catch(!). Needless to say they were unsuccessful
in their endeavours and the animal had gone. They were given some
educating regarding large aggressive wild animals and the condition
known as ‘seal finger’.
29th
December:
0845hrs: Another early start with the RSPCA receiving a report of
a live stranded dolphin at Marazion, close to the causeway over
to St Michael’s Mount. Despite the first medic arriving in
less than 20 minutes, the original caller had already managed to
refloat the dolphin and leave the area. Medics and off-duty RSPCA
ACO Felicity Cross spent the rest of the morning searching the surrounding
coastline, with no sign of the animal.
1500hrs:
A report was received regarding a seal pup on the island of Tresco,
Isles of Scilly. As stated earlier, there are no medics currently
on the islands, and no contacts were available to get to Tresco.
Coordinator Dave Jarvis along with medics Lesley and Dan Jarvis
spent the next couple of hours liasing with the caller, contacts
on the island of St Mary’s, and various mainland – island
transport companies. Camera phone photos showed the pup to be underweight,
while a contact on St Mary’s agreed to attempt to get to the
location the following morning. Luckily a delayed cargo ship was
found to be leaving Penzance bound for St Mary’s at 0730 the
next morning and Dan agreed to be on it for the 5 hour journey,
pending the pup still being there. In the meantime the caller had
gone to locate a crate or box to attempt to relocate the seal to
a safe place away from the heavy seas, but unfortunately upon her
return, found the seal was already back in the water. On the bright
side it did appear to be swimming strongly and was not in any difficulty.
1630hrs:
While the Tresco incident was playing out, the Sanctuary staff also
mentioned a pup had been seen at St Keverne on the Lizard. However
it had gone back in the water shortly afterward.
2330hrs:
Medic Bob Bulgin was alerted to a seal pup on the beach at Port
Isaac. However it appeared to be in good condition and was left
in peace for the rest of the night.
Dave Jarvis
Director and Cornwall Area Coordinator
British Divers Marine Life Rescue
Pup
rescue at Hornsea, East Yorkshire
18th December
On
Tuesday 18th December Sue (HQ) called me reporting a seal pup on
Hornsea beach. John (medic) was also contacted and he went first
to assess the seal. The pup was laying on its back quietly, not
very responsive and visibly underweight so it needed to go in to
a centre. I joined John on the beach approximately an hour later.
Thanks John for staying that long in the cold and by then dark beach!!
We took the temp (36.4) and gave oral rehydration fluids. BUT its
now near Christmas, busy season and all the ‘Inns‘ were
full !! So I took the pup home where Joel would continue the relay
towards London. The pup was so very quiet that I became worried.
We gave him a rest in one of our pens and after a few minutes, the
pup started to look around, move and became vocal. Reassured by
the behaviour and after contacting Trevor (HQ) for further advice,
Joel set off on the next leg of the long journey to Hastings. He
met Jason in a hotel car park, off the M25, north of London for
the next handover and rehydration of the pup. The CCTV operator
may have wondered what the two grown men were doing, donning rubber
gloves before scrambling around on their hands and knees in a discrete
corner of the car park!! But they were soon gone, Jason taking the
refreshed pup on its final leg to that mysterious place they call
‘Down South’.
I have contacted the Hastings Centre since.
Initially they were concerned about the pup, he was on a drip still
very quiet and there was blood in the faeces. We called the pup
‘Humber’. The next update was much more favourable as
Humber had started to eat herrings, had a splash in the pool and
although he still had a long way to full recovery things seemed
positive. Humber weight was 16kgs.
Thanks to everyone who has been involved in
the rescue, John, Jason, HQ and the staff at Hastings.
Freddie and
Joel Taylor (East Yorkshire/Humber Medics)
Seal
rescue – Ulrome, North Humberside
19th December
The call came from Sue at 4:30pm
on Wed 19th Dec 2007.
A seal had been reported on the beach at Ulrome to the RSPCA by
a woman called Caroline Baker (my first contact), they contacted
Simon who told HQ.
So it got to me in the end, and I gave Vicky a shout (she's home
from uni for christmas) and said we had a call.
We grabbed our stuff plus warm coats, hats and plenty of torches
as this would be our first night call this season and headed off
to find Ulrome (anyone got a map).
Lucky for me we had the old sat
nav working and found the back of beyond first time, just as well
really you can look a bit silly getting lost using sat nav,eh.
Anyway we got there and as always
found our phones would be more use as door stops, so we broke out
the new radio's we had had donated so kindly earlier this year,
just In case we had to be apart in the dark, (oooooo spooky).
Your not going to believe this but the seal was actually where we
had been told it was, to the nearest yard anyway, how often does
that happen you ask, and in the dark, we did a quick assessment
of the pup a 5 week(ish) old grey just coming to the end of his
moult, not very responsive to us at all and shivering a lot too,
this as we would realise later could have been stress related.
His breathing was rapid and continuous
so doing BMP was difficult to do, we decided to jump him and have
a closer look, his body felt fairly warm but his back flips were
like ice, it was then that our first contact turned up a Mrs baker,
she told us that the pup had been there for some hours and that
there had been a couple who had twice dragged it down to the waters
edge, trying to put it "back where it belonged" Mrs Baker
had stopped them from trying anymore and asked them to leave it
alone and that she had reported it to the RSPCA and help was on
the way.
Thankfully she stayed with the pup
until the people had gone and it was getting dark and people and
dogs were no longer around, we checked him over and he was coughing
a bit and had small pock or bite marks in most areas of his body,
he also had one very nasty injury to his front right flip, we decided
to lift him and made our way back to the car, once there we got
enough signal to ring HQ and say we were lifting him with a view
to taking him the vets at Scarborough to get him sorted.
We
also managed to call Bev after we left the cliff top and gained
some height, she told us to meet at her's and that she would sort
out some help for him, by this time I could here some movement in
the back and stopped to have a look, Vic was on her phone to some
one so I got out to see what was going on, (at this point I should
tell you we were on a single track road going through farm land)
I discovered that we had stopped on a part of the road that had
a three foot drop into a field on my side, so I edged my way along
the side of the car and as I did I could see through the side window
that we now had a seal loose in the back of my car.
Oh ‘darn’, now what,
so with spare towel in hand I slowly opened the back and made a
grab for him, just as he made a grab for me (funny that) were only
trying to help.
Anyway we got him secure again and
set off once more, Bev phoned back and arrangements were made at
the vet's, first we were going to stop off at Bev's house where
Bev had arranged to meet Linzi from Sealife centre, they could not
take the pup but she would help with the tubing if needed.
We got there in the end and met up with everyone, we took the pup
through into the garage and did further checks and gave it fluids,
they listened to his breathing and heart and treated all his injuries,
we then had a coffee and waited for 45 mins before taking him to
Swansdale at Scarborough for more checks a Jab and an overnight
stay.
Then onwards to East winch.
A
big thank you goes to Mrs Baker, Linzi, Gail Platt RSPCA, Bev and
Simon for their help and Swansdale vet's.
Bruce Filey MMM
UPDATE
The pup, a male grey seal pup, spent
the night at Swanzdale veterinary clinic Scarborough. It was touch
and go at about midnight when ‘our’ vet Jim had to call
Cameron for some advice. But he made it through with a little help
from his friends. Yorkshire MMM Gary Bolton collected him from the
vets at 09.30hrs and drove him to Swanbridge Veterinary Hospital
for transfer to Humber MMM David Murray. Whilst Gary was travelling,
Sue White was desperately ringing around to find space for him at
a seal hospital. She managed to find a space in Chesire!!! David
relayed the pup part of the way down the country and finally handed
over to a RSPCA Animal Collection Officer [ACO], sorry I didn’t
get told your name, but a huge thank you.
Our collective team thanks to Sue White, Karen [Magic], Bruce &
Vicky Pawson, Gary Bollton, David Murray, Linzi Crawford [SLC],
Simon Drayton and Jim the vet. That’s 11 people including
myself and the ACO to rescue 1 small pup. That’s what you
call team work!
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from Yorkshire Regional Team
Bev Drayton – Area Coordinator
BDMLR
Medics lead rescue of two Common dolphins
19th
December - 16.50hrs
Medics
from BDMLR have succesfully rescued and released two Common dolphins
stranded on the Cumbrian coast. They attended the beach this morning
after BDMLR received a call at 10.30am.
The
medics, lead by area coordinator Jenny Watkins, attended to the
two dolphins at South
Walney Nature Reserve, Walney Island nearBarrow-in-Furness.
The
dolphins were in good condition. They were given rehydration fluids,
via stomach tube, by an attending vet and refloated/released at
16.45hrs after careful assessment.
Full
Press Release - HERE
[pdf version]
Tony
Woodley - Web Editor/National Press Officer
Images
copyright Rob Watkins/BDMLR |
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Carbis
Bay pup
18th December 2007
An urgent call was received
at 16.15 by medic Lesley Jarvis, from the National Seal Sanctuary,
to advise that a report had been received of a seal pup on Carbis
Bay beach that was potentially in danger of being attacked by dogs.
She immediately informed Area Co-ordinator Dave Jarvis & they
quickly dashed to the scene.
They
found the pup high up the beach & being ‘protected’
by three members of the public. Unfortunately the seal had possibly
bitten one of them whilst he was attempting to keep a dog away from
it. Dave looked for a wound & because he found a suspect mark,
advised the gentleman of the potential problems & issued him
with a copy of BDMLR’s standard medication letter. Lesley
& Dave were soon joined by Area Co-ordinator Tim Bain. Photographs
were taken of the pup, which were passed to National Co-ordinator
Trevor Weeks for his comments, following on from which it was uplifted
& taken back to Dave’s house to be tube fed & examined
in a better environment.
As the National Seal Sanctuary
were still busy with the other pups rescued in the preceding few
days, it was again going to be necessary to transport the pup to
RSPCA West Hatch for rehabilitation. So following a couple of telephone
calls with local RSPCA ACO Felicity Cross, Dave & Lesley set
out to meet RSPCA ACO Sandra Buttery at Exeter Services at 20.30,
from where the animal was transferred on to West Hatch.
Dave
Jarvis
Director and Cornwall Area Coordinator
British Divers Marine Life Rescue
Lower
Porthmeor pup
17th December 2007
A call was received by Area
Co-ordinator Dave Jarvis from the National Seal Sanctuary at 16.15
to advise that a seal pup had been reported on Lower Porthmeor beach,
near Zennor. The original caller had advised that the pup was in
an isolated location & consequently she would wait at the Gurnard’s
Head Hotel for our arrival. Dave picked up Tim Bain en-route &
rendezvoused with the caller, Lucy, & her daughter Tallulah
at the pre-arranged location. Apparently the pup had been in its
isolated location for most of the day, had a yellow discharge from
its nose & reported as being thin. Dave & Tim followed Lucy
back down the lane & parked at her farmhouse holiday accommodation.
Leaving Tallulah at the farmhouse, Lucy then guided Tim & Dave
down through the fields, tracks & rocks by torchlight until
they found themselves on a small boulder strewn cove.
Tim quickly found the animal
in amongst the boulders. Its eyes & nose were streaming with
abnormal discharge, so the animal was uplifted & carefully placed
into the seal bag, before the team made the ascent back up by the
same route. The animal was given an initial check over at the farmhouse,
where its temperature was found to be normal. It had already been
established that the National Seal Sanctuary’s facilities
were currently full, so the animal would need to be taken up to
the RSPCA facility West Hatch. Therefore, prior to making such a
journey it was decided to initially take it back to Dave’s
house to give it a more through assessment & tube feed, under
proper lighting.
Upon arrival, they were met
by medics Dan & Lesley Jarvis, together with medic Sue Sayer,
who assisted Tim with looking after the animal, whilst Dave made
arrangements for the transportation. As luck would have it medic
& RSPCA ACO Jon Phipps was willing to take pup on from Chiverton
Cross, near Truro, so having completed a assessment form & stabilising
the animal for its journey Dave & Tim met Jon at 20.00 to transfer
it for its onward journey.
Dave
Jarvis
Director and Cornwall Area Coordinator
British Divers Marine Life Rescue
Pup
rescue - Montrose, Scotland
16th December 2007
Pictures - Topaz on the beach
at Montrose, by Paul Horne.
4.20pm I received a call from
Tayside Police who had been informed of a small baby seal on Montrose
beach. Medics Willie and Mandy Taylor were dispatched immediately
and asked to report back to me the weaning status and any signs
of trauma. Meanwhile Medics Paul and Sue Horne had left to meet
those on scene taking the seal transportation tank with them in
case an uplift was to go ahead as we also had a fast incoming tide.
A seal pen was provisionally booked by myself at SSPCA Middlebank
for Monday. The Medics reported back that the pup was a male semi
moulted grey, severely underweight (estimated at 13-14kg), malnourished,
and it had lesions on the left fore flipper and on its back. Elaine
gave clarification to go ahead and uplift and to transport the pup
named "Topaz" immediately to Arbroath where Medic and
Deputy Co-ordinator Bob Pert would resume relay to temporary overnight
facilities at Shanwell Wildlife Rescue Trust in Broughty Ferry.
Elaine Roft
MMM
Montrose / Arbroath Area Co-ordinator
Paul
arrived at the "Focus" car park in Arbroath at 17.20 and
we swapped transport tanks, arrival at SWRT was at 17.55 and the
pup was allowed to rest for half an hour before a thorough check
and tube feed. He was given 240ml of Lifeaid, weighed 13Kg and was
37.5c, seemed alert and the usual feisty, bless him! It was also
noted that he was attempting to suckle. I left at 19.50 leaving
the pup in Gareth's capable hands.
Thanks to Tayside Police, Medics Elaine Roft,
Willie Taylor, Mandy Taylor, Paul Horne, Sue Horne, SSPCA Middlebank,
Gareth Norman (Shanwell Wildlife Rescue Trust)
Bob Pert
Montrose / Arbroath Assistant Co-ordinator
Update - The pup was
fed every 4 hours through the night before his transport to Middlebank
the next day.
Seal
pup rescue - Bridlington
Sunday 16th December 2007
On
Sunday afternoon at 12.35pm, we received a call from the local RSPCA
ACO about a young grey seal pup hauled out on Sewerby beach, near
Bridlington, East Yorkshire. It was reported by a family who said
that it had been in the same place since the tide turned earlier
in the morning, and hadn’t moved too much.
MMM
Tracey Guild and Gary Bolton were contacted, and, along with myself,
went to assess the seal’s condition as we had no other information
about the seal other than it being out of the water.
As we arrived on scene at approximately 1:00pm, we were greeted
by the family that had rung in the seal, who promptly took us down
to the beach and showed us the location of the pup.
The
pup, which was a moulting white coat grey seal, looked quite flat
and rather underweight so a decision was made to take a closer look
at the pup and assess further, the pup’s condition. Upon assessment
we found that the pup was rather aggressive and even more underweight
than first thought and had an elevated temperature. It passed urine
whilst being assessed and it was consistent with the pup being dehydrated.
Old
cuts were visible on the seals lower back, but other than that,
skin condition was normal. Temperature was slightly high which added
to our worries about its condition, so we contacted Bev (Coordinator)
to tell her our thoughts on the seal, and to suggest that it needed
to come in, which she agreed to.
Swanbridge
vets in Hull were contacted as we made our way to them, with all
the information that was needed. At the surgery, the seal pup was
given rehydration fluids and a thorough assessment before its second
leg of its journey to East Winch RSPCA hospital.
MMM David Murray [Humber] agreed to transport the seal on the second
stage of the journey and Russell [Lincs] for the final leg.
Thanks
again to RSPCA ACO Keira for the call, MMM’s Tracey Guild,
Gary Bolton, David Murray and Russell for there much appreciated
services as usual! Swanbridge vets for first aid and assessment
to the seal, and East Winch again for taking our seal!
Ryan Walker
- Assistant Area Coordinator, Yorkshire
Update: Pup arrived
at East Winch 19.40hrs 16/12/07. Named Dublin.
Seal
pup rescue - Cleethorpes, Lincolnshire
14/15th December
Louise (Lincolnshire Medic) &
boyfriend Mike, attended pup on beach at Cleethorpes following request
from Karen at HQ. Initial call to RSPCA from local policeman. Pup
clearly underweight and unresponsive and with suspect left flipper
injury (not used). Joel & Freddie attended to help lift seal
(11.30pm) and transport to Swanbridge Vets as agreed with Becky
(RSPCA). Swanbridge Vet Phil and staff in attendance (00.30am).
Fluids and antibiotic administered. Weight 13.8kgs, temp 37', breathing
very laboured and chesty. Held overnight then transported to East
Winch.
Many thanks to: PC 'No Name' who found him, Louise and her boyfriend
Mike who stood by for many hours in the cold, Becky (RSPCA) and
Magic, Phil and the Swanbridge team - a late night but a good outcome
hopefully..
Freddie &
Joel Taylor (Humber Medics)
Sennen
Pup Rescue
14th December 2007
A call was received at the
National Seal Sanctuary to advise that a seal pup had been observed
on a beach at Sennen Cove. They contacted Area Co-ordinator Tim
Bain, who was picked up by medic Rory Goodall & they made their
way to the location, where they were met by medic Colin Pringle
who was already waiting with the animal.
They assessed it to be underweight
& also having an ulcer in one eye, and these details were then
passed on to the Animal Care Team at Gweek, who advised them to
bring it in for rehabilitation. The pup was then duly uplifted &
taken to centre by Tim & Colin.
Dave
Jarvis
Director and Cornwall Area Coordinator
British Divers Marine Life Rescue
Pup
rescue, Cullercoats - North Shields
11th December
Called
mid morning from the office after the RSPCA asked if we could have
a look at a seal that had been reported on the beach in Cullercoats
Harbour. I was off taking my lab to the vets, so asked a nearby
medic, Paul Macloud if he could attend, as well as take and forward
pictures to the office and myself.
The seal was found being watched over by staff from Newcastle Universities
Dove Marine Laboratory, and seemed to be both thin and very lethargic.
Paul took a picture, and did a quick assessment. Once out of the
vets I made my way down to the harbour, just missing Paul who had
another engagement.
As soon as I saw the animal, I knew he was right to be so concerned,
as the thin seal didn't even seem to be aware we were near it.
I consulted with Sue and Trevor at the office, and a vet was arranged
to look at this seal, and somewhere to put it sought.
I had the added complication of my eldest sons carol service that
I had to attend, but didn't want to leave the pup on the beach any
longer.
It was lifted and put into temporary accommodation until the last
hymn was sung and I could get it to the vets, as no one else was
available at that time to do it for me.
My wife and youngest son called the female grey 'Tubby' and I set
out to meet Jane at the North Shields practice. On the way I was
advised that she had to leave and go to the Cramlington branch,
so after a quick diversion, and guiding in by the receptionist,
I arrived not too late..
Tubby was found to be female, moulted, 11.2kg, temp of 38C 80cm
length, a lesion to the left hind flipper, as well as various other
'scabby bits' She also had sore looking ulcerated gums, although
an apparent full set of teeth. Still very lethargic, she was tubed,
given lectade, and then allowed to rest for 30 minutes before travel,
which gave me the chance to head to the shops for a few supplies.
Trevor had asked if we could get a second seal we had been dealing
with at Middlesbrough tubed when I met David and Wayne Wilson, who
were going to drive both pups down to Hull for overnight stay and
treatment.
I have never in my life had to buy KY over the counter, and I am
not too sure if it was a good or bad thing to have a picture of
Tubbs as proof of what I had planned....
Once
at the OK Diner on the A19 (I would recommend it, they warm water
when asked!) my charge was passed into the care of David & Wayne,
and I got everything ready to tube their little treasure.
This seal, although looking physically in worse condition, was a
lot more aggressive and feisty, but we managed to get another 150ml
of lectade into it so they could head down to Hull when ready.
I was then able to return home, via A&E, where my friends and
colleagues there made lots of jokes at my expense as I waited to
get my prescription for Tetracycline after the Tees seal managed
to get a good grip of my thumb...
Richard
Ilderton - BDMLR Newcastle area coordinator
Portreath
Re-location
10th December 2007
Area
Co-ordinator Dave Jarvis & medic Dan Jarvis had just returned
home from representing BDMLR at the Sea Watch South West conference
in Plymouth when they were contacted by medic Rebecca Hockley at
19.30. Her boyfriend, Steve, had just located a seal pup near the
public car park in Portreath. Cancelling the evening meal appointment
with BDMLR Chairman Alan Knight on the way out the door, Dave &
Dan, together with Phil Jarvis quickly made their way to the scene,
where they were met by Rebecca & Steve. They soon located the
pup, which was found to be reasonably healthy, although being observed
by a group of on-lookers. Dan liased with Tamara Cooper & Claire
Baker at the National Seal Sanctuary & it was decided to tube
feed the young seal & then move it to a safer location. So it
was taken back to the Jarvis’s ancestral home to be fed before
putting it back onto a ‘safe’ beach near Godrevy, where
it was observed for a while to ensure it settled into its new location.
Dan & Dave returned to the location at first light & found
that the pup had now swum off, probably on the early morning tide.
Dave Jarvis
Director and Cornwall Area Coordinator
British Divers Marine Life Rescue
Pup
rescue at Caithness, Scotland
9th December
On Sunday we received a picture
text from Colin Bird regarding a pup on Sannick Beach, which is
a few miles East of John O’Groats. The pup looked very small
even in the small text picture we were sent. Medics Jim Thompson
and Karen Munro were asked to make the 20 mile trip to asses the
pup. One hour later they found “Po” tucked up above
the waterline at the geostats that surround the area. He was in
a poor way, eyes full of sand and looking very tired and pathetic.
Jamie Dyer was contacted regarding the condition of the pup and
the decision was taken that “Po” should be lifted and
taken into care.
After another long walk and
a trip in a car “Po” arrived to be checked in at Seal
Towers after being weighed at just 11kg. “Po” had his
eyes flushed to get rid of the sand and his temperature was take
and assessed to be in normal range if a little on the cool side,
so he was checked into the en-suite pen which boasts CCTV and a
warming lamp. He was give a good meal of 150mls of Lactade and left
to warm through for an hour by which time he was looking a lot better
and moving around the pen freely.
He was fed 4 hourly with
warm fluids and by the next day was producing normal motions and
his eyes where now as they should be clean,big and wet. At noon
medic Jim Thompson loaded “Po” into the back of his
truck to start the long trip South, meeting Scottish Co-ordinator
Jamie Dyer and Garath on the way.
Big Thank you to all involved
in this and a big bowl of ‘Tubby Tustard’ to Po at SSPCA
Middlebank.
Richard
Bradley – Caithness Assistant Coordinator
click
on images to enlarge - all images copyright Richard Bradley/BDMLR |
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Montrose
pup rescue
9th
December
09.16 Elaine received a phone
call from Isabel Johnston regarding a seal pup on the Elliot sands
near the Hatton Water Treatment Plant.
10.30
On arrival at the scene (near Hatton Water Treatment Unit) at 10.00
I found a small weaned/on the point of weaning Grey female pup.
She was a little underweight looking and had grey gums, a sure sign
of dehydration. The one hassle I had was the fact that the pup was
a quarter of a mile away from the car and I had no-one to assist.
Thankfully Elaine had phoned Alan Muir 
who
was on his way to the scene. After phoning Alan and giving him directions
on how to get to the parking area (due to the new dual carriageway
there is no access from the South) I settled down to wait and noted
the pup's breathing was very erratic (varying between 11 and 18
BPM). During recovery it was also noted that the pup was "flat"
i.e., she had no "fight". I had also learned my lesson
with the railway level crossing, open both gates before crossing,
saves you being almost run over by a train!
12.15 On reaching Middlebank
the pup was given the name "Mousa" (Scottish island naming
theme) and ID 2831.
Bob
Pert - Assistant Co-ordinator
Thanks
to Elaine Roft, Alan Muir, Karen Kirk, PDSA vet Susan Somers, SSPCA
Central Control, SSPCA Middlebank and, of course, the person who
reported this animal, Isabel Johnston.
Update
on pup "Belzer" (pup in report below)
Andy
at Hessilhead Wildlife Rescue Trust told us today that the small
lesion we discovered on this pup is actually a deep infection. He
informed us that they have treated pups, in the past, with this
condition and they have reacted well to treatment. Here's hoping
for the wee mite.
Devon call-out
9th December
A
seal was reported to be in difficulties in the sea just a few yards
off Meadfoot Beach at lunchtime on Monday. Concerned members of
the public out enjoying a sunny winters stroll raised the alarm
when the seal seemed to be trapped in one spot and in distress.
Calls were made to the British Divers Marine Life Rescue who contacted
their locally based Marine Mammal Medics Mike Lawton and Phil Van
Kuyk who attended the scene and observed the seal for a couple of
hours for signs of any injuries or entanglement in nets. Fortunately
it seems the adult male grey seal was just having a rest in a sheltered
part of the bay following the recent bad weather and just as the
sun was setting he swam quickly off along the coast. The Medics
would like to thank those who raised the alarm and praised their
actions by keeping themselves and their dogs at a distance away
from the seal so minimising any distress caused to the animal.
Via Press item
Montrose/Arbroath
medics – pup call out
09/12/07
I
received a call on my home phone at 21.30 hrs from Gillian of Tayside
Police (Central Control) in Dundee reporting a seal pup lying on
the grass at South Street in Arbroath currently surrounded by curious
kids who had gathered. Medic Bob Pert was called and immediately
set off to the location. It was decided that given the late hour
and the fact that all rehab centres are full to capacity that it
would be in the pups best interests to have it temporarily housed
overnight at Shanwell Wildlife Rescue Trust facilities in Broughty
Ferry and transfer to Hessilhead or Middlebank (if room) the next
day if rehab is required. Bob Pert established contact with Gareth
Norman (SWT) prior to his response to the call. Gillian at Tayside
Police was updated that a Medic was en route and a full update would
be provided by Elaine on Sunday. BDMLR on call Jason Carter was
informed and asked to confirm to Gareth the rehab facility for pup
(if required) which was to be booked provisionally meantime.
Elaine
will confirm to Jason if a seal pen is a definite once the pups
health and weaning status have been observed on uplift. 22.19hrs
Jason Carter has confirmed that Colin at Middlebank has a seal pen
free which has been provisionally booked for the pup. Jason will
confirm this to Gareth also. An update will be given to Jason tomorrow
and clarification given to Middlebank with an ETA of the pups arrival
if rehab is to go ahead.
Thanks to Elaine Roft (BDMLR Area
Co-ordinator), Bob Pert (Deputy Co-ordinator) Tayside Police (Central
Control), Gareth Norman (SWRT), SSPCA Middlebank, BDMLR, Hessilhead
Wildlife Rescue Trust, Julie Pert but most of all to the person
who took the time and effort to report this animal's presence, you
have saved this animal's life, may you have a, very, Merry Christmas!
Report sheet will be sent to HO, James Barnett
Elaine
Roft
Area Co-ordinator
On receiving Elaine's call at 21.30ish I attended South Street where
I was met by two policemen and the person who phoned the Police,
who all seemed relieved to see me! In the darkness I could make
out a Grey pup, male, just weaned, or on the point of, which appeared
to be underweight but otherwise in good health, no raspy breathing
or discharges.
Although I had already decided this pup would have to be moved (in
this location it would have been intolerable to monitor the animal,
there would have been continual disturbance by passers by and road
traffic), I was convinced by it's appearance that it would have
to be rehabed. The animal was recovered and Gareth Norman at Shanwell
Wildlife Trust (ex BDMLR Tayforth Co-ordinator) phoned, to establish
a meeting at the Trust unit in Broughty Ferry.
Arriving
at the unit at 22.30 the pup named "Belzer" was removed
from the transport tank and left to settle for a few minutes. The
pup was then assessed by Gareth and myself (thin at hips and small
lesion above left fore flipper), tube fed (200ml Lifeaid), temperature
taken (37.1, good) and weighed (14Kg poor). The pup was then sprayed
with antiseptic on the small lesion and given a spray of water.
He was then left to settle down for the night before his trip to
Hessilhead in the morning.
Bob
Pert
Assistant Area Co-ordinator
