On June 5th, a Ladoga seal has been released into the Ladoga Lake in Russia for the first time in history. This succesfully concludes the first part of the collaboration project between SRRC Lenie ’t Hart and Leningrad Zoo. The zoo asked the SRRC for their help because they were getting stranded young seals from along the Baltic coast as well as Lake Ladoga, the world’s largest lake. Within a short period two young Ladoga seals, a number of Baltic ringed seals and a couple of grey seals were brought to the zoo.
The Ladoga seal (Phoca hispida ladogensis) is an endangered species, listed on the Red List of Threatened Species. It is the world’s smallest seal: The animals weigh around 48 kilos and have a birth-weight of around 4 kilos. They are born in a little snow hut on the ice.
In the 20th century, there were around 20.000 animals; now, there are between3 and 5000 animals. The main threats are: climate change (less ice), drowning in nets and disruptions (tourism).
SRRC’s André van Gemmert travelled to St Petersburg in Russia to help with first aid immediately after the Leningrad zoo’s plea for help. We find it great that the zoo-employees are so sympathetic towards the seals and that they want to help give the animals a second chance. Temporary rehabilitation rooms have been fitted out so all seals can be properly cared for. Despite the language barrier, cooperation between the SRRC-workers and the zoo employees went very well.
On Thursday, June 5th, the first Ladoga seal, Tatiana, was released in a spot that has been declared a protected area from that day forward. She weighed 6 kilos at arrival, but now she weighs more than 17 kilos. She eats like a horse. Her release is a historic milestone: Never before has a Ladoga seal been rehabilitated and released. The SRRC is proud of contributing to that.
There has been a lot of media attention for the seals. This is very important, as it brings the great problems concerning the seals to light as well. The SRRC has arranged with Leningrad zoo to cooperate in the build of a proper rehabilitation centre for marine mammals. The Dutch Consulate-General in St Petersburg has also promised its support.
06-04-2008 Source: SRRC Lenie 't Hart
