Foundling Seals Arrive in Norddeich
The Sea Dog Station welcomes the initial howler of the season
The countdown has started at the seal station in Norddeich -- the anticipated little ones arrived! The duo, Karla and Maca, were discovered shivering on the shores of Cuxhaven and Norderney, and they've been calling the facility their temporary home for the past fortnight. says station director Peter Lienau.
Each year, the seal station welcomes over a hundred bachelors with a heartrending tale -- motherless, or nursing an ache, or simply down on their luck. A seal pup made a public appearance in Bremerhaven last week, found meandering along the dyke promenade and now shares quarters with our new mates, Karla and Maca.
Upon discovery, the duo was whisked away to a quarantine facility for an examination to ensure they were actually motherless. They weighed a robust 8.6 and 8.1 kilograms respectively upon entry.
Caution Advised
Expecting a flood of foundlings soon, Lienau reminds us that the season of birth is about to peak. The upcoming long holiday weekends and the delayed Pentecost holidays may have disrupted the seals' peaceful lives, leading to their little ones seeking human help.
A word to the wise -- Lienau advises against approaching or photographing the seals, as this could result in abandoned pups. Instead, contact the seal station promptly if you suspect a pup without Mom. They'll stay on the lookout for new arrivals until about August, when the youngsters will be on their own.
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Background Insights:
Seal rehabilitation centers usually take the following steps:
- Admission & Assessment: Injured, orphaned, or distressed seals are admitted, assessed, and a treatment plan is formulated.
- Feeding & Hydration: Young or malnourished seals receive a specialized diet that resembles their mother's milk and are hydrated to boost their health.
- Medical Care: Injured seals are given appropriate medical treatment, which might involve surgery, antibiotics, or various other interventions.
- Rehabilitation: Seals are kept in enclosures that mimic their natural environment, helping them regain strength and relearn essential wild survival skills.
- Release: Once seals are deemed healthy and self-sufficient, they're carefully released back into the wilderness.
In the midst of celebration for the newly arrived seal pups, it's essential to be cautious as the upcoming holiday weekends might disrupt the seals' peaceful lives, resulting in more foundlings seeking human help. If you suspect a seal pup without its mother, promptly contact the seal station to ensure their well-being. In addition to seal matters, Hamm continues to charm with its latest headlines in home-and-garden and lifestyle sectors.
