IN 1987 a baby common seal was stranded on the beach right in front of the building. The pup had lost her mother and was starving. Jan took her in, kept her in a bath and fed her fish. Word spread and Rosie the seal was joined by other seals, birds and animals in need of  some tender, loving care. Since that first summer, countless creatures ranging from hedgehogs to herons have passed through Jan's hands, though the main focus has always remained on seals (selkies) and otters (dratsies). The facilities have gradually improved, but there is still much to do.    
                                             

              Photo Ron Patterson

In January 1993 the Braer oil spill brought in 37 seals and seven otters, along with the world's media and hundreds of volunteers. Again most of the animals made it back into the wild.

In November 2000 a seven foot long leatherback turtle from the Caribbean became tangled up in a lobster line, off Yell. She was in a coma when she was brought to the sanctuary and Jan and Pete spent three days and nights trying to resuscitate her, but sadly she died.  Every year new creatures arrive. There always seems to be a surprise waiting around the corner.