Wildlife Rescues
Storms, rubbish, injury, loss of mother are just some of the reasons seals and other wild creatures are brought to the Sanctuary for help.

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We work closely with Ron Patterson from Shetland's S.S.P.C.A. He calls us out to rescue attempts, comes and offers advice when needed. We would be lost without him.
A useful link is
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Environment/Wildlife-Habitats/19887/20877
 


Ron and Pete taking a rescued seal back to sea for release.



                      Photos Ron Paterson

Two pups brought up onto the beach in heavy North Westerly gales.

 This is Heylor beach where we have for the last few years received storm bound pups in North Westerly gales during pupping season.

Rubbish washed up on the beaches can cause terrible injuries to wild creatures. These pictures show seal pups washed up on Heylor beach, during a storm in pupping season. They were grey seals born with their white coat which later moults. They are fed by the mother for 4 weeks and then she leaves. Born on the land they moult after 3/4 weeks then
 go to sea. This happens late Sept, or even Oct/Nov. Seven were taken to the sanctuary in a poor state and the larger pups left to moult on
 the beach. They were of a good size and did not need feeding, Jan from Hillswick Sanctuary went with Ron from the S.S.P.C.A. daily until the pups were fit to leave. Netting is a particular problem as seals get entangled and once caught around their necks it causes wounds and strangulation. 

 Click to meet other rescued creatures

People all over Shetland join in a clear up called the Voar Redd Up. Also some of our volunteers work in the summer to clear up remaining debris from the beaches.

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