P R E S S R E L E A S E
More than 50 baby seals rescued from starvationBut how long will SRRC Lenie ‘t Hart be able to keep its head above water?
The SRRC Lenie ‘t Hart employees have their hands full with the many baby seals that have been found along the Dutch coast. The special seal first-aid team turned out repeatedly during the last couple of weeks for these baby seals, who had lost their mothers. Over 50 motherless pups were saved and are now recovering in the SRRC in Pieterburen.
Things are at their worst
It is the question how long the SRRC will be able to continue this rewarding work. Momentarily, the SRRC finds itself in bad financial condition. Up until now, the SRRC has been able to keep things afloat year upon year, but the money has almost run out. The SRRC does not receive any funding and is entirely dependent on visitors and supporters. The total care of a seal, from the moment it arrives at the centre until the day it is released, costs around € 5000,-. Think of the many kilos of herring they consume, expensive medicines and the high costs for water and electricity, all of which are needed in the months of their stay at the SRRC.
Founder Lenie ‘t Hart hopes that there are enough animal lovers who are willing to help the seals: “We can’t just leave these seal babies to fend for themselves, can we? They are actually perfectly healthy but without their mother, they do not stand a chance of surviving. The much-heard argument to let nature run its cause and leave the animals to die makes no sense whatsoever. Often, panic caused by human disruption is the reason for mother and pup to lose each other. The agony before the pup dies from starvation lasts twelve days and is terrible. We humans should take our responsibility and rescue such an animal in need of help!”
Adopt a seal
Fortunately, these young seals have a maximum chance of survival: they are the fighters who already fought for their lives until they washed ashore and were found. Almost all of them will grow up to become strong, healthy seals and will then be released back into the Wadden Sea. In the next few months, the baby seals will be taken care of in Pieterburen. Therefore, everybody is very welcome to come and take a look at them. People are very welcome to adopt a baby seal, become a financial supporter or make a donation. Look here for more information.
Note to the editorial staff: For more information, an interview with Lenie ‘t Hart, photo materials or an on-site report, please contact Yvonne van den Berg, Phone: 0595 526 526, mobile: 06 20406692 or e-mail yvonne@zeehondencreche.nl
Seal Rehabilitation and Research Centre
Hoofdstraat 94a, 9968 AG Pieterburen
Phone: +31 (0)595 - 526 526 Fax: +31 (0)595 - 528 389
06-24-2008 Source: SRRC Lenie 't Hart
