Rescue and Rehabilitation
Organisations
This page contains a list of organisations
worldwide who
rescue and/or rehabilitate seals, sea lions or walruses.
 |
Please get in contact with the Society
if you would like to point out any amendments to the information on this page or to suggest organisations that can be added. |
| Strandings If you come across a live stranded seal then please do not attempt to remove the seal yourself as there is the possibility that the seal may not need rescuing, that your actions might endanger the life of the seal, or that you may be badly bitten or catch infection. Instead, please take a note of the situation and condition of the seal, from as far away as possible, and contact the nearest rescue/rehabilitation organisation, SPCA, Parks official or the local police. If the seal needs rescuing then please try to keep people and dogs away from the seal until help arrives. Thank you. If you come
across a dead seal then please report this to the nearest rescue or rehabilitation
organisation as they may wish to determine the reason for the seal's death. |
Notes:
(1) The contact details on this page have been confirmed in almost all cases by the
organisations themselves, and are valid at or later than May-August 2000, the date of the
page's last major update. Where the Society has not yet been able to obtain/confirm the
current contact details for an organisation then it is marked as "[*]".
Descriptions accompanying the organisations' details were, where possible, supplied by the
relevant organisations and edited by the Society.
(2) There is no need to dial the zero "0" at the start of a
telephone or fax number if calling from another country, except for numbers in Italy and
the Russian Federation. Toll-free numbers, i.e. those where there is no charge for the
call, cannot normally be dialled from another country.
Argentina (Country Code +54)
Acuario Nacional de Buenos Aires (Buenos Aires National Aquarium), Program of Rescue and Rehabilitation of
Pinnipeds in La Plata River, Avenida Las Heras 4155, 1425 Buenos Aires. Tel: 011-48070770,
Fax: 011-48069245. Contact: Diego Alejandro Albareda (Veterinarian & Program
Coordinator, E-mail: veterinario@acuarioba.com
/ dalbareda@hotmail.com). Has rescued and
rehabilitated pinnipeds found stranded along the La Plata River since 1998, mostly South
American fur seal pups and juveniles which strand between May and November. Rescued 14 fur
seals in 1999 of which 8 were released in Mar del Plata in December 1999. Has also
rehabilitated and released a crabeater seal, and assisted with the rehabilitation of South
American sea lions in Chile which were affected by the El Niño event in 1998. Carries out
research into the health status of the area's pinniped populations.
Fundación Mundo Marino (Mundo Marino Foundation), Provincial Centre for the Rehabilitation and Rescue of Marine Animals, Avenida Décima Nº 157, 7105 San Clemente del Tuyú, Buenos Aires. Tel: 02252-430300, Fax: 02252-421501, E-mail: mundomar@satlink.com.ar. Contact: Gloria Mendez de Cabrera (President), Julio Loureiro (Head Veterinarian), Sergio Rodriguez Heredia (Biologist), Viviana Quse (Veterinarian). Founded in 1987, rescues and rehabilitates an average of 50 marine mammals each year (102 in 1999), mostly pinnipeds and mainly from the coasts of Buenos Aires province. The majority of pinnipeds rehabilitated are South American fur seals but also rehabilitates Subantarctic fur seals, South American sea lions and Southern elephant seals. Helped out with the rescue of fur seals affected by the 1997 oil spill in Uruguay.
Australia (Country Code +61)
Key: NSW = New South Wales; SA = South Australia; TAS = Tasmania;
VIC = Victoria.
NSW: ORRCA Inc., GPO Box 362, Sydney, New South Wales 1043. Tel: 02-9415-3333, Fax: 02-9918-5497, E-mail: fulton@orrca.org.au, Web: http://www.orrca.org.au. Contact: Sam Fulton (Research Director), Ron Ling (Secretary). Focuses on helping wild marine mammals, including Australian fur seals, New Zealand fur seals, Southern elephant seals, Australian sea lions, Subantarctic fur seals and leopard seals in Australian waters, mainly on the east coast and particularly in New South Wales. Against the holding of pinnipeds in permanent captivity and the unnecessary rescue of some pinnipeds that come ashore.
SA: Marine Rescue Unit (MRU), Lonsdale RSPCA Animal Shelter, 25 Meyers Road, Lonsdale, South Australia. Tel: 08-8382-0888, Web: http://www.rspcasa.asn.au/Lons.htm. Contact: Mick Jones (Team Leader, E-mail: deannej@iprimus.com.au). Has cared for sick and injured marine mammals and birds found along the South Australian coastline since it was opened in 1991. New Zealand fur seals, Australian sea lions and Subantarctic fur seals are among the animals which have been rescued, rehabilitated and released. The public may only view the facility by prior arrangement.
TAS: Department of Primary Industries, Water and Environment (DPIWE), Nature Conservation Branch, Box 44, Hobart, Tasmania 7001. Tel: 03-6233-6556, Fax: 03-6233-3477, E-mail: dpiwe@tas.gov.au. Contact: Rosemary Gales (E-mail: Rosemary.Gales@dpiwe.tas.gov.au). Provides protection from human interference for pinnipeds found hauled out in areas outside their normal breeding and haul-out locations, including veterinary support if required. Runs "WildCare" community support system in which volunteers are trained to deal with wildlife situations. Pinniped species most commonly encountered are Australian fur seals, New Zealand fur seals and Southern elephant seals, also occasionally leopard seals, crabeater seals and Subantarctic fur seals.
VIC: Jirrahlinga Koala and Wildlife Sanctuary, P.O. Box 880, Geelong, Victoria 3220 (Visitors: Taits Road, Barwon Heads, Victoria). Tel: 03-5254-2484, Fax: 03-5254-3380, E-mail: enquiries@jirrahlinga.com.au, Web: http://www.jirrahlinga.com.au. Contact: Tehree Gordon (Director), Marg Tolliday (Marketing Officer, marg@jirrahlinga.com.au). An independent charitable organisation that rescues and rehabilitates sick, injured and orphaned wildlife, including pinnipeds. Treated 47 pinnipeds, mostly Australian fur seals, from January 1999 to the end of March 2000. Personal and corporate sponsorship schemes are available.
VIC: Melbourne Zoo, P.O. Box 74, Parkville, Victoria 3052. Tel: 03-9285-9300, E-mail: seals@zoo.org.au. Contact: Kim Beasley (Keeper-In-Charge, Marine Mammals). Has successfully rehabilitated 28 stranded pinnipeds from the coasts of Victoria since the start of the rehabilitation programme in 1987. Australian fur seals have made up 70% of the pinnipeds received for rehabilitation, other species including leopard seals, Subantarctic fur seals and New Zealand fur seals.
VIC: Wildlife Care Network, Inc. (WILDNET), 247-251 Flinders Lane, Melbourne, Victoria 3052. Tel: 03-9663-9211, 24 hour hotline: 0500-540-000, Web: http://avoca.vicnet.net.au/~wildnet/main.html. Contact: Peter Myroniuk (President, E-mail: myroniuk@zoo.org.au). Runs an emergency wildlife rescue telephone service covering the state of Victoria. Receives an average of 10 pinniped-related calls each year, particularly concerning Australian fur seals in distress between November and February / March. Coordinates with the relevant authorities to have the seals rescued. Currently aiming to gain further training on seal handling for its volunteer rescuers.
Belgium (Country Code +32)
Marine Animals Research and Intervention
Network (MARIN). Contact: Thierry Jauniaux (Cell phone:
04-477-252302, E-mail: T.Jauniaux@ulg.ac.be),
Jan Haelters (Tel: 059-70-01-31), Jan Tavernier (Tel: 02-627-4211, E-mail: tavernier@bernie.kbinironbe.be). Multidisciplinary
research network that coordinates reaction to live and dead strandings of marine mammals
in Belgium and northern France. Should be contacted if unable to contact National Sea Life
Blankenberge.
National Sea Life Blankenberge, Koning Albert I-laan 116, B-8370 Blankenberge. Tel: 050-410-000, 24 hour Seal Rescue: 047-734-5890, Fax: 050-424-424, Web: http://www.sealife.be. Contact: Nathalie De Pauw (Displays Supervisor), Steve Vervaecke (Senior Aquarist), John Van Gompel (Veterinarian). Rescues and rehabilitates harbour and grey seals from the Belgian coast and the northern French coast down to Normandy. The seal rescue centre opened in June 1998 and cares for around 15 pups each year.
Brazil (Country Code +55)
Centro de Estudos sobre Encalhes de
Mamíferos Marinhos (CEEMAM - Centre for the Study of
Marine Mammal Strandings), Avenida Pinheiro Machado, 1033 / 13, Santos, São Paulo
11075-003. Tel: 013-2255548 / 013-2314965 / 013-2275075, E-mail: ceemam@hotmail.com. Contact: Fernando Siqueira
Alvarenga (E-mail: fsalvarenga@hotmail.com). Created
in 1997 by three biologists interested in the rescue and rehabilitation of marine mammals.
Systematically monitors beaches in eight city areas from Peruíbe (24º 20'S) to Bertioga
(23º59'S) for marine mammal strandings. Live stranded pinnipeds are transported to the Aquário de Santos
(contact: Paulo de Tarso Ferraz Meira, Biologist, E-mail: aquario@usc.stcecilia.br) for rehabilitation
and re-release. From 1997-1999, 10 Subantarctic fur seals, 3 crabeater seals, 1 South
American fur seal, and 3 fur seals of unidentified species were found stranded, mostly in
winter.
Centro de Recuperação de Animais Marinhos (CRAM - Centre for the Recovery of Marine Animals), Museu Oceanográfico "Prof. Eliézer de C. Rios", Caixa Postal 379, Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul 96200-970 (Visitors: Rua Heitor Perdigão, 10). Tel: 0532-32-3496 / 0532-32-9107, Fax: 0532-32-9633, E-mail: museu@super.furg.br, Web: http://www.furg.br/museu/. Contact: Rodolfo Pinho (Coordinator - veterinarian, E-mail: musbird@super.furg.br), Valeria Ruoppolo (Veterinarian, E-mail: valijuli@uol.com.br). A volunteer-run establishment, built in 1997, that rescues and rehabilitates birds and between 10 to 20 pinnipeds each year, mostly juveniles, covering 200 km of coastline around Rio Grande. Pinniped species rescued are South American fur seals, Subantarctic fur seals, South American sea lions and, one time, a crabeater seal. Most rescues take place in winter when South American fur seals and sea lions leave their colonies in Uruguay and Argentina.
Centro de Tratamento e Recuperação de Animais Silvestres (CETRAS - Centre for the Treatment and Recovery of Wild Animals), Parque Florestal do Rio Vermelho, Rio Vermelho, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina 88035-500. Tel: 048-269-7111 (For strandings, call the Police on 190), Fax: 048-269-7211, E-mail: cetras@zipmail.com.br. Contact: Soldier PM Gilberto Soares (E-mail: gilbertsoares@zipmail.com.br), Sgt. Marcelo Verondino Duarte, Soldier PM Michel de Souza (E-mail: micheldesouza@zipmail.com.br), Soldier PM Jair Corcino da Matta. Founded in 1996 and run by the Santa Catarina Environmental Protection Police, CETRAS attends an average of 5 to 6 stranded pinnipeds each year along the entire Santa Catarina coastline, mostly juvenile South American fur seals and Subantarctic fur seals. Problems encountered include dehydration, anaemia and oil intoxication. Also rescues penguins and other marine animals. Depends heavily on volunteers and donations, working alongside the environmental group R3 Animal. Provides environmental education.
Centro Mamíferos Aquáticos / IBAMA (Aquatic Mammals Centre), Centro Nacional de Pesquisa, Conservação e Manejo de Mamíferos Aquáticos, Caixa Postal 01, Ilha de Itamaracá, Pernambuco 53900-000. Contact: Régis Pinto de Lima (Director), Jociery Einhardt Vergara (Veterinarian, E-mail: tecpxboi@elogica.com.br / jovergara@hotmail.com). Works primarily with sirenians and cetaceans but has rescued and rehabilitated two Subantarctic fur seals which stranded on Porto das Pedras Beach (Pernambuco State) and Pitangui Beach (Rio Grande do Norte State).
Guardiões do Mar (Friends of the Sea), c/o Instituto Sea Shepherd Brasil (ISSB), Caixa Postal 5010, Pôrto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul 90041-970. Tel/Fax: 051-3331-3290, E-mail: seashepherd@terra.com.br, Web: http://www.seashepherd.org.br. Contact: Alex Castro, Daniel Fracasso. A network of volunteer marine wildlife rescuers situated at various important locations along the Brazilian coast, trained to rescue stranded pinnipeds and cetaceans, and to cope with emergency situations such as oil spills (including the rescue of oiled seabirds). Includes coverage of the protected areas at Ilha dos Lobos and Molhes Leste in southern Brazil, both important locations for pinnipeds. A joint programme of the Sea Shepherd Institute of Brazil and Texaco.
Projeto Mamíferos Marinhos - BA (Projeto MAMA - Marine Mammal Project), Centro de Resgate de Mamíferos Aquáticos (Marine Mammal Rescue Centre), Caixa Postal 7314, Salvador, Bahia 41811-970. Tel: 071-974-5165 / 071-351-9466 / 071-371-9223, Fax: 071-231-9368, E-mail: promama@bahianet.com.br, Web: http://www.lbm.com.br/mama. Contact: Luciano Wagner (Veterinarian). Has worked on the rescue and rehabilitation of stranded marine mammals in the northern state of Bahia since 1998. Deals mostly with cetaceans but has also rescued and rehabilitated Subantarctic fur seals, South American sea lions and Southern elephant seals, suffering from a variety of complaints from severe illness to mere exhaustion. Works to study and protect the state's marine mammals.
Canada (Country Code +1)
Island Wildlife Natural Care Centre, 322 Langs Road, Salt Spring Island, British Columbia V8K 1N3. Tel:
250-537-0777, E-mail: iwncc@aol.com, Web: http://www.sealrescue.org. Contact: Jeff Lederman
(Director, E-mail: phocid@aol.com), Marielle Bonnet
(Veterinarian, E-mail: mariellebonnet98@hotmail.com).
A wildlife rehabilitation facility caring for all indigenous species, primarily covering
the Gulf Islands and Vancouver Island, British Columbia. Specialises in alternative
medicine with an emphasis on homeopathy, herbal treatments and physical therapies. The
1999 season brought in 42 harbour seals and 1 Northern fur seal and resulted in an 80%
survival rate.
Prince Edward Island Marine Mammal Stranding Network, P.O. Box 3294, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island C1A 8W5. Tel: 902-569-4803, Fax: 902-569-2839. Contact: Patricia Gray (President, E-mail: pgray@islandtelecom.com). The only pinniped rehabilitation facility in Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick. Volunteers are also trained in oil spill response and treatment / rehabilitation of oil spill casualties (Prince Edward Island Oil Spill Network). Part of the Canadian Animal Distress Network.
Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre, Marine Mammal Rescue Program, P.O. Box 3232, Vancouver, British Columbia V6B 3X8. Tel: 604-659-3540, Strandings: 604-735-4777 / 604-659-3545, Fax: 604-659-3563, Web: http://www.vanaqua.org/conserv/rehab/rehab.htm. Contact: Jeremy Fitz-Gibbon (Rehabilitation Coordinator, E-mail: fitzgij@vanaqua.org), John Ford (Director of Conservation and Research, E-mail: john.ford@ubc.ca). Rescues and rehabilitates orphaned, injured, and abandoned marine mammals on the Pacific coast of Canada. Primarily admits 40-100 harbour seals each year but also rehabilitates Steller sea lions, Northern fur seals, Northern elephant seals, cetaceans and occasional seabirds.
Chile (Country
Code +56)
Programa de Recuperación y Rehabilitación
de Fauna Silvestre (Program for the Rescue and
Rehabilitation of Wildlife), Museo Municipal de Ciencias Naturales y Arqueología de San
Antonio, Casilla 93, Llolleo, San Antonio (Visitors: Sanfuentes 2365, Barrancas, San
Antonio). Tel: 035-203294, Fax: 035-203399, E-mail: museo_imsa@hotmail.com, Web: http://www.geocities.com/RainForest/Andes/9652.
Contact: José Luis Brito (Director). A joint operation of the San Antonio Museum and
the San Antonio Ecology Action Group ANTIPODA that rehabilitates injured, sick and
confiscated wildlife in the central region of Chile. Has treated leopard seals and South
American fur seals but principally takes in South American sea lions, mostly injured
juveniles that are found by fishermen. Rescued 69 juvenile sea lions during the 1997-98 El
Niño event. Actively speaks out against the capture and illegal killing of marine
mammals, constantly monitoring 100km of coastline to look for the presence of marine
mammals and to protect them.
China (Country
Code +86)
Dalian Spotted Seal Nature Reserve, Fisheries Department, Heping Street 37, Lu Shun Kou District, Dalian, Liaoning.
Tel: 0411-6613578, Fax: 0411-6613111. Contact: Mr. Xiao Qun. Rescued 24 spotted seals
in the first few months of 2000, including 16 pups, 7 injured pups and 1 severely injured
adult. After feeding and rehabilitation, with the help of funding from the International
Fund for Animal Welfare, 15 of the seals were released between February and April 2000.
The release events were well covered by the local press and generated a tremendous amount
of public interest, concern and awareness.
France (Country Code +33)
Centre d'Hébergement d'Etude sur la Nature
et l'Environnement (CHENE - Centre for the Rescue and Study
of Nature and the Environment), Hameau Le Bouillot, F-76190 Allouville Bellefosse. Tel:
02-35-96-06-54, Fax: 02-35-96-56-41, E-mail: ASSO.C.H.E.N.E.@wanadoo.fr.
Contact: Sophie (Head Nurse). Receives and rehabilitates seals stranded on the
Normandy coast and at the Baie de Somme. Before December 1999 all pups received at the
Centre were transported to the SRRC in the Netherlands but they are now cared for at the
Centre if room is available. Has rehabilitated 2 seals since the beginning of 2000, one of
which was a grey seal, the other a harbour seal. Has a nature museum which promotes the
discovery and protection of nature.
Centre de Recherche sur les Mammifères Marins (CRMM - Marine Mammal Research Centre), Institut de la Mer et du Littoral, Port des Minimes, F-17000 La Rochelle. Tel: 05-4644-9910, Fax: 05-4644-9945, E-mail: crmm@univ-lr.fr, Web: http://crmm.univ-lr.fr. Contact: Ghislain Doremus (Stranding Unit and Seal Care Centre, E-mail: gdoremus.crmm@ifrance.com). Rescues seals stranded in the Bay of Biscay, mostly grey seals during the winter (12 in the winter of 1997-1998, 10 in 1998-99 and 3 in 1999-2000). The seals are transported to Océanopolis for rehabilitation. Maintains a national database of all strandings recorded in France.
Coordination Mammalogique du Nord de la France (CMNF) - Groupe Mammifères Marins (Northern France Mammal Coordination - Marine Mammal Group), Maison des Associations 864, Rue Robelin, F-62730 Hemmes de Marck. Tel/Fax: 03-21-00-82-56, E-mail: cmnf.mamarins@caramail.com. Contact: Jacky Karpouzopoulos (President, E-mail: jkarpouzopoulos@nordnet.fr). A non-profit organisation which studies and protects wild mammals in the north of France. Rescues about 5 seals each year along the Pas-de-Calais coastline, principally harbour seals, but also grey seals, on rare occasions hooded seals, and once a ringed seal. Rescued 5 harbour and 2 grey seals during 1999, 2 harbour and 1 grey seal during 2000. Seals are passed on to the Ligue Protectrice des Animaux de Calais (LPA - Calais League for the Protection of Animals, Contact: Jean-Michel Charpentier, Tel: 03-21-34-76-02, E-mail: jmcharpentier@nordnet.fr) for first aid, and then to the SRRC in the Netherlands for rehabilitation. Work includes the study and protection of seal populations in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region, and public education regarding seals and seal strandings.
Groupe d'Étude des Cétacés du Cotentin et des mammifères marins de la mer de la Manche (GECC - Group for the Study of Cetaceans in Cotentin and Marine Mammals in the English Channel), Centre d'Innovation Technologique, rue Louis Aragon, F-50130 Cherbourg-Octeville. Tel: 02-3301-4060, Mobile: 06-6218-4060, Fax: 02-3301-4030, E-mail: gecc@wanadoo.fr, Web: http://perso.wanadoo.fr/gecc. Contact: Gérard Mauger (President & Founder), Fabrice Kerleau. Works to advance the study and protection of marine mammal populations along the Normandy coast and in the English Channel, including the rescuing and care of stranded animals. Rescued 2 live stranded seals (1 harbour seal and 1 ringed seal) during 2000, both of which were transferred to Océanopolis after initial treatment. Produces educational materials for schools and the general public.
Groupe Mammalogique Normand (GMN - Normandy Mammal Group), Place de l'Église, Mairie d'Epaignes, F-27260 Epaignes. Tel/Fax: 02-32-42-59-61, E-mail: gmn@oreka.com. Contact: Christophe Rideau.
Groupe Ornithologique et Naturaliste du Nord-Pas-de-Calais, Groupe Mammifères Marins (GON - Nord-Pas de Calais Ornithological and Naturalist Group, Marine Mammal Group), Section locale de Flandre maritime, Maison de l'Environnement de Dunkerque, 106 rue du Casino, F-59640 Dunkerque. Tel: 03-28-20-30-40, Strandings: 06-14-44-75-76 / 03-28-64-14-63, E-mail: dk-envir@netinfo.fr. Contact: Jeremy Kiszka (E-mail: k.jeremy@caramail.com), Lucien Kerautret (President), André Lastavel. Rescues sick and injured seals, mostly pups, stranded between the Belgian border and Gravelines. Generally rescues harbour seals but also some grey seals in winter, and, very rarely, harp and ringed seals. Rescued seven seals in 1999, mostly pups. The seals are transferred for rehabilitation to the SRRC in the Netherlands or National Sea Life Blankenberge in Belgium. Also works to protect and study seal populations, including the harbour seals of Dunkirk's "Banc aux phoques", and other marine mammals in the region.
Musée de la Mer de Biarritz (Biarritz Marine Museum), Plateau de l'Atalaye, B.P. 89, F-64202 Biarritz Cedex. Tel: 05-59-22-33-34, Fax: 05-59-22-75-30. Contact: Laurent Soulier (Directeur, Sci & Tech, E-mail: lsoulier.museemer@wanadoo.fr). Has been receiving stranded seals since 1975. Rescues and rehabilitates up to 4 grey seals each year, all from an area of the French Atlantic coast between Biscarrosse and Hendaye, and almost all in December or January. Successfully rehabilitated seals are re-released near the Molène Archipelago with the help of Océanopolis.
Océanopolis, Laboratoire Mammifères Marins (Marine Mammal Laboratory), Port de Plaisance du Moulin Blanc, B.P. 411, F-29275 Brest Cedex. Tel: 02-9834-4040, Fax: 02-9834-4069, E-mail: oceanopolis@oceanopolis.com, Web: http://www.oceanopolis.com/index.htm. Contact: Sami Hassani (Manager, Tel: 02-9834-4052, E-mail: sami.hassani@oceanopolis.com), Cécile Vincent (Seal Research, Tel: 02-9834-4912, E-mail: cecile.vincent@oceanopolis.com), Daniele Quemeneur (Media contact, Tel: 02-9834-4066, E-mail: daniele.quemeneur@oceanopolis.com), Chantal Guillerm (Public contact, Tel: 02-9384-4067, E-mail: chantal.guillerm@oceanopolis.com). Rescues and rehabilitates mostly grey seals, but also some harbour seals and occasionally others such as ringed seals. Most seals are rescued during the winter months, a total of 30 seals being taken in during the winter of 1999-2000. Works on the conservation of grey seals in natural reserves and national marine parks.
Picardie Nature, 14 place Vogel, B.P. 835, F-80000 Amiens. Tel: 03-2297-9787, Fax: 03-2292-0872, E-mail: contact@picardie-nature.org, Web: http://www.picardie-nature.org. Contact: Philippe Thiery (Administrator, E-mail: pthiery@nordnet.fr), Alain William (Emergency contact, Tel: 06-0883-4499). A non-profit organisation involved since 1986 in the scientific study of the harbour seal colony at la Baie de Somme as well as its protection, particularly from disturbance during the pupping season in the summer. Rescued 11 live stranded harbour seal pups between 1996 and 2000 (4 in 2000), all of which were transported to the SRRC in the Netherlands or to CHENE in Allouville Bellefosse for rehabilitation. Carries out a wide range of public education and information activities.
Germany (Country Code +49)
Seehundstation Friedrichskoog - Information,
Aufzucht, Forschung (Seal Station Friedrichskoog -
information, rehabilitation and research centre), An der Seeschleuse 4, D-25718
Friedrichskoog. Tel: 04854-1372, Fax: 04854-9231, E-mail: info@seehundstation-friedrichskoog.de,
Web: http://www.seehundstation-friedrichskoog.de.
Contact: Tanja Rosenberger (Director). Founded in 1985 and responsible for the
rehabilitation of stranded seals found in the Schleswig-Holstein Wadden Sea , including
the island of Helgoland, and the Baltic coast of Schleswig-Holstein. Normally
rehabilitates harbour seal pups and sometimes grey seal pups. Also treated a one year old
ringed seal in 1999. Runs a research programme as well as a public information and
education programme.
Seehundstation Norddeich - Forschung, Information, Aufzucht (Seal Station Norddeich - research, orphanage and information centre), Dörper Weg 22, D - 26506 Norden-Norddeich. Tel: 04931-8919, Fax: 04931-82224, E-mail: info@seehundstation-norddeich.de, Web: http://www.seehundstation-norddeich.de. Contact: Peter Lienau (Director, E-mail: plienau@seehundstation-norddeich.de). A facility caring for marine mammals found stranded in the area covering the entire Niedersachsen (Lower Saxony) Wadden Sea, including the East Friesian Islands. Rehabilitates and re-releases between 20 - 50 sick or abandoned harbour seal pups each year, as well as grey seals, ringed seals, hooded seals and a number of cetaceans. In 1999, 52 harbour seal pups were successfully rescued and rehabilitated, mostly in the summer months. Has a very popular visitors' centre.
Greece (Country Code +30)
Seal Treatment and Rehabilitation Centre (STRC), Steni Vala, Alonnissos, Northern Sporades (Mailing address: MOm, Solomou
18, GR-10682, Athens). Tel: 01-5222888, Fax: 01-5222450, E-mail: rescue@mom.gr. Contact: Jeny Androukaki (Rescue and
Rehabilitation Programme Coordinator). Run by the Hellenic Society for the Study and
Protection of the Monk Seal (MOm). Created in 1990 in collaboration with SRRC from the
Netherlands and collaborating closely since 1996 with the Veterinary School of
Thessaloniki University. Covers the whole of Greece through MOm's Rescue and Information
Network. To date 12 monk seal pups and 3 adult seals have been treated, out of which 6
pups and 2 adults have been successfully released back into the wild. Currently building
new facilities at the Research Station at Yerakas Bay, Alonnissos.
Ireland (Country Code +353)
Irish Seal Sanctuary (ISS), Garristown, County Dublin. Tel/Fax: 01-835-4370, E-mail: flanagan@indigo.ie, Web: http://www.irishsealsanctuary.com. Contact:
Terry Flanagan (Chairman), Brendan Price (CEO), Damian Nolan (Secretary, E-mail: beo@eircom.net). A totally voluntary organisation.
Rescues and rehabilitates approximately 25 (and growing) grey and harbour seals each year
from around 6,000km of Irish coastline, including all of the Irish islands. Gives school
talks and comes in contact with about 15,000 schoolchildren per year. Moving to a purpose
built seal sanctuary in 2000-2001.
Japan
Japanese Marine
Mammal Stranding Symposium, 28 Nov - 1 Dec 1997: Programme and Abstracts
Mauritania (Country Code +222)
Centre National de Recherches
Océanographiques et des Pêches (CNROP - National Centre
for Oceanographic and Fisheries Research), Département Ressources Vivantes et
Environnement (DRVE - Department of Living Resources and the Environment) B.P. 22,
Nouadhibou. Tel: 745124 / 745023, Fax: 745081 / 745379, E-mail: cnrop@toptechnology.mr. Contact: Khallahi Mohamed
Fall (Chief, E-mail: medfall_khall@hotmail.com),
Azza Jiddou. Monitors and protects endangered Mediterranean monk seals at the very
important Cap Blanc colony. Has so far rehabilitated eight sick and/or abandoned monk seal
pups in collaboration with SRRC of the Netherlands and the Spanish Monk Seal Project.
Mauritius (Country Code
+230)
Mauritian Wildlife Foundation (MWF), Black River. Tel: 483-6832 (Gerald Durrell Endemic Wildlife Sanctuary) or
483-8933 (MWF Black River Office), Emergencies: 483-6832 or 698-8839, Fax: 483-5038,
E-mail: mwfbriver@intnet.mu, Web: http://www.maurinet.com/wildlife.html.
Contact: Vikash Tatayah (Assistant Scientific Director), Isabelle Lenoir. Main
activity is the captive breeding of critically endangered birds but also, where resources
allow, cares for sick and injured birds and mammals. Provided first aid and temporary care
for two stranded Subantarctic fur seals in 2001, one of which survived and was flown to
the East London Aquarium in South Africa for rehabilitation.
Mexico (Country Code +52)
INP-CRIP La Paz Programa de Mamíferos
Marinos (INP-CRIP La Paz Marine Mammal Program), Km 1
Carretera a Pichilingue, La Paz 23020, Baja California Sur. Tel: 112-516-23, Fax:
112-213-67 / 112-301-22. Contact: Octavio Maravilla (E-mail: octavio_maravilla@yahoo.com). Has
provided pinniped disentanglement training and equipment for personnel in at least three
different local institutions in Baja California Sur. These personnel now frequently
disentangle California sea lions, particularly those at Los Islotes rookery, from pieces
of gill net and other fishing nets.
Investigación y Conservación de Mamíferos Marinos de Ensenada, A.C. (ICMME - Marine Mammal Research and Conservation in Ensenada), Plácido Mata 2309 Departamento D-5, Condominio Las Fincas, 22820 Ensenada, Baja California. Tel/Fax: 6-178-73-01, E-mail: sicmme@faro.ens.uabc.mx, Web: http://icmme.ens.uabc.mx. Contact: Gisela Heckel (President). Founded in April 1997 by undergraduate and graduate students. Responds to about 3-4 live and 30 dead marine mammal strandings each year, including pinnipeds such as California sea lions, harbour seals and Northern elephant seals. Most strandings occur close to Ensenada but also responds to calls from elsewhere in Baja California. Aims eventually to build a pinniped rehabilitation centre. Carries out contaminant research, maintains a stranding database and runs an environmental education programme, including school presentations.
Pinniped Disentanglement Program, c/o David Aurioles Gamboa, Centro Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Marinas (CICIMAR), Departamento de Pesquerías y Biología Marina, Apartado Postal 592, La Paz 23096, Baja California Sur. Tel/Fax 112-2-53-44 / 66, Fax 112-2-53-22, E-mail: dgamboa@redipn.ipn.mx. A collaborative project between CICIMAR and the United States' Santa Barbara Marine Mammal Center. Has carried out yearly cruises in the Gulf of California since 1997, disentangling California sea lions from net debris, especially nylon set nets. Has also begun training people locally, particularly on the Reserva de Las Islas del Golfo de California, with the aim of continuing the disentanglement effort locally on a year-round basis.
Netherlands (Country Code +31)
EcoMare Centrum voor Wadden en Noordzee (EcoMare Wadden and North Sea Centre), Ruyslaan 92, 1796 AZ De Koog, Texel. Tel:
0222-317741, Fax: 0222-317744, E-mail: jankuiper@ecomare.nl,
Web: http://www.ecomare.nl. Contact: Jan Kuiper
(Director), Henk Brugge (Head of Seal Rescue, E-mail: HenkB@ecomare.nl).
Rescues, rehabilitates and re-releases 15-20 harbour seals each year into the Wadden
Sea. Runs a support organisation called the "Friends of the Seal Rehabilitation
Centre at EcoMare", has a visitors' centre and runs educational programmes for
schools and other groups. Carries out seal-related scientific research in conjunction with
local institutes.
Stichting Zeehondencrèche Pieterburen (SRRC Seal Rehabilitation and Research Centre), Hoofdstraat 94a, 9968AG Pieterburen. Tel: 0595-526526, Fax: 0595-526389, E-mail: pieterburen_seals@wxs.nl, Web: http://www.zeehondencreche.nl. Contact: Lenie 't Hart (Founder & Director). Founded in 1971. Rescues and rehabilitates over 100 seals each year, mostly harbour seals, also grey seals and the occasional ringed and hooded seals. Has set up a network of First Aid for Seals (FAS) posts along the coastline of the Netherlands, staffed by volunteers who give stranded seals immediate treatment before they are transported to the Centre. All seals are vaccinated against phocine distemper virus and tagged and microchipped before release. Has extensive educational programme.
New Zealand (Country Code +64)
Department of Conservation / Te Papa Atawhai (DoC), Central Regional Office, P.O. Box 12-420, Wellington. Tel: 04-471-0726,
Fax: 04-471-3279, Web: http://www.doc.govt.nz.
Contact: Rob Suisted (marine mammal strandings manager, E-mail: rsuisted@doc.govt.nz). To report sick or
injured seals, notify the local DoC Area Office - telephone numbers for these can be found
in local directories.
Marine Watch Trust New Zealand, 59 Clydesdale Street, Linwood, Christchurch. Tel: 03-389-8270, Rescue Line: 025-358-909. Contact: Jim Lilley (E-mail: jimlilley@xtra.co.nz). An organisation of volunteers founded in 1992 which works in tandem with the Department of Conservation, protecting, rescuing and rehabilitating distressed, stranded, injured and oiled marine wildlife, mainly from along the Canterbury coast. Has treated and rehabilitated 101 pinnipeds, including New Zealand fur seals, Southern elephant seals and leopard seals, since its formation. Also supports research, carries out educational work and coordinates marine litter cleanups.
Poland (Country Code +48)
Hel Marine Station, Ul. Morska 2, P.O. Box 37, PL-84 150 HEL. Tel: 058-6750-836, Fax: 058-6750-420,
E-mail: sekhel@halina.univ.gda.pl, Web: http://hel.hel.univ.gda.pl. Contact: Iwona Kuklik
(E-mail: oceik@univ.gda.pl), Krzysztof Skóra. Part
of the University of Gdansk's Institute of Oceanography. Has a project to re-establish
colonies of grey seals in the Polish region of the Baltic Sea, as well as to rehabilitate
stranded seals and to educate the community about protecting the marine environment. Over
the past five years has rehabilitated five grey seals which made their way to the Polish
coasts from either Estonia or Sweden.
Portugal (Country Code +351)
Instituto de Conservação da Natureza, Rua Ferreira Lapa, 38 - 5ºD, P-1150-169 Lisboa. Contact: Marina Sequeira (Tel:
021-316-05-20, Mobile: 091-9274795, Fax: 021-352-04-74, E-mail: marinasequeira7@yahoo.com). Coordinates
the Portuguese national marine mammal stranding network. Stranded seals are passed on for
rehabilitation to the Jardim Zoológico
de Lisboa in Lisbon or Zoomarine in Albufeira
(Contact: Élio Vicente, Tel: 0289-560305, Fax: 0289-560309, E-mail: elio.vicente@zoomarine.pt). Two grey seal pups
and one hooded seal pup have so far been successfully rescued and rehabilitated by these
organisations.
Parque Natural da Madeira (Madeira Nature Park), Quinta do Bom Sucesso, Caminho do Meio, P-9050 Funchal, Madeira. Tel: 0291-231101 / 0291-222266, Fax: 0291-222589, E-mail: pnm@mail.telepac.pt. Contact: Henrique Costa Neves (Director), Rosa Pires (E-mail: rpires@portugalmail.com). Operates a Monk Seal Rehabilitation Unit, built in 1997, for the estimated 23 Mediterranean monk seals that live in waters around the Desertas Islands of the Portuguese Madeira Archipelago. Only one seal has been rescued so far, a suckling pup which had become separated from its mother and which was re-released one day later when its mother was found. Also carries out environmental education as well as study and monitoring of the species.
Puerto Rico (Country Code +1)
Red Caribeña de Varamientos (Caribbean Stranding Network), P.O. Box 361715, San Juan, PR 00936, USA. Tel:
787-766-1717 x6600, Emergency: 787-399-8432, Fax: 787-751-5840, E-mail: rcv@caribe.net, Web: http://rcv.caribe.net.
Contact: Antonio Mignucci-Giannoni (Director, E-mail: mignucci@caribe.net),
Marta Rodríguez-López (Curator), Luis Figueroa-Oliver (Veterinarian). A non-profit
organisation dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, research and conservation of
Caribbean marine mammals, especially whales, dolphins and manatees, but occasionally
pinnipeds. Works with volunteers and coordinates stranding and rescue information from
networks in Venezuela, Colombia, Aruba, Costa Rica, Mexico, Dominican Republic, Puerto
Rico, US Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands. Has rescued 5 hooded seals since
1993.
South Africa (Country Code +27)
Cape of Good Hope SPCA, P.O. Box 3, Plumstead, Cape Town 7800. Tel: 021-705-3757, After-hours
emergencies: 082-496-2515, Fax: 021-705-2127, E-mail: fundraising@spca-ct.co.za, Web: http://www.spca-ct.co.za. Contact: Shaun Bodington
(Chief Inspector), John Eaton (Manager). In conjunction with the Marine Coastal
Management Group, renders a service for sick, injured or abandoned pinnipeds, usually
South African fur seals, in Cape Town and as far up the west coast of South Africa as
possible. Has no rehabilitation facility as yet, seals either being released immediately
or humanely euthanased, but is intending with other groups to develop a comprehensive seal
service which would cater for rescue and rehabilitation as well as providing an extensive
public awareness programme.
East London Aquarium, Marine Drive, East London. Tel: 043-705-2637, Fax: 043-743-6801, E-mail: fela@iafrica.com, Web: http://196.7.177.40/ela. Contact: Willie Maritz (Curator). Rehabilitates injured, oiled and distressed marine creatures that strand in the East London area. Successfully rehabilitates and releases around 20 seals per year, most commonly South African fur seals and Subantarctic fur seals (for the latter, mostly young pups in June - August). Also occasionally rehabilitates crabeater seals and, once, a leopard seal. The Friends Of East London Aquarium (FELA) are currently raising funds for the establishment of a proper marine mammal treatment and rehabilitation centre at the aquarium.
East London SPCA (ELSPCA), East London. Tel: 043-745-1441, Fax: 043-745-1704, E-mail: elspca@computronics.co.za. Contact: R.M. Eekhout (Manager). Responds to calls reporting South African fur seals that have beached due to injury or disease along the coast from approximately Kaysers Beach to Kei Mouth. Injuries are usually caused by entanglement in fishing lines or nets, shark bites or injury from boat propellers. The seals are normally treated by the SPCA veterinarian and immediately returned to sea if possible. Seals requiring short-term rehabilitation are transported to the East London Aquarium.
Sea World Aquarium, P.O. Box 10712, Marine Parade, 4056 Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. Tel: 031-337-3536, Fax: 031-337-2132, E-mail: seaworld@dbn.lia.net, Web: http://www.seaworld.org.za. Contact: Gabby Harris (Curator, E-mail: gabby@dbn.stormnet.co.za), Corinne Pieters (Veterinarian, E-mail: Sjtd@iafrica.com). Rescues and rehabilitates 4 - 14 sick and injured pinnipeds a year, mostly Subantarctic fur seals, from the coasts of KwaZulu-Natal. Other pinniped species rescued include Southern elephant seals, South African fur seals, and a crabeater seal. Will guard or relocate healthy pinnipeds that are being harassed by the public. A division of the non-profit, non-governmental organisation The South African Association for Marine Biological Research (SAAMBR), which also has marine education and research divisions.
Spain (Country
Code +34)
Aquarium de San Sebastián (San Sebastián Aquarium), Plaza de Carlos Blaco de Imaz s/n, E-20003 San
Sebastián. Tel: 943-440099, Fax: 943-430092. Contact: Amalia Martínez de Murguía
(Science Director, E-mail: depinvestigacion@aquariumss.com).
Rescued two grey seals on the Basque coast during 2000, both of which were transferred
to the CRMM in La Rochelle, France, after recovery.
United Kingdom (Country Code +44)
Key: E = England; IoM = Isle of Man (a crown dependency of the United Kingdom); NI =
Northern Ireland; S = Scotland; W = Wales.
Regional Strandings Coordinators: (To report dead stranded pinnipeds only. For live strandings see organisations below)
UK-wide: British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR), 39 Ingram Road, Gillingham, Kent ME7 1SB. Tel (24 hour emergency) / Fax: 01634-281680, E-mail: info@bdmlr.org.uk, Web: http://www.bdmlr.org.uk. Contact: Mark Stevens (Director, Mobile: 07770-570449, E-mail: mark@bdmlr.org.uk), Kevin Robinson (Scottish Coordinator, Tel: 01261-851696, Emergency: 07786-925401, E-mail: kev.robinson@crru.org.uk), James Barnett (Director & Consultant Vet, Tel (day): 01403-730176, Pager: 07666-789439, E-mail: james@bdmlr.org.uk). Rescues sick, stranded and injured marine animals throughout the United Kingdom, rescuing over 100 grey and harbour seals each year and transferring those seals that require assistance to rehabilitation centres. Plans to open in 2001 the Scottish Marine Mammal Rescue Centre (SMMRC), located in northern Scotland, in cooperation with International Animal Rescue. Holds Marine Mammal Medic courses throughout the U.K. to train volunteers in the rescue of cetaceans and pinnipeds.
UK-wide: Marine Animal Rescue Coalition (MARC), c/o Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society, Alexander House, 19A James Street West, Bath, Avon BA1 2BT. Tel: 01225-334511, Fax: 01225-480097, E-mail: info@wdcs.org. Contact: Mark Simmonds (Chair), Sarah Dolman (Rescue Officer, E-mail: sdolman@wdcs.org). A network of (and a forum for) animal conservation and welfare organisations involved in marine animal rescue in the UK.
E: Mablethorpe Seal Sanctuary, North End, Mablethorpe, Lincolnshire LN12 1QG. Tel/Fax: 01507-473346, Web: http://www.mablethorpe-lincs.co.uk/entertainment/seal/seal.htm. Contact: Paul King (Curator). Rescues and rehabilitates about 20 grey seals and about 10 harbour seals each year, having also rescued bearded, hooded and ringed seals on rare occasions. Coverage area extends 15 km north and south of Mablethorpe, but sometimes rescues seals from outside this area.
E: RSPCA Norfolk Wildlife Hospital, Station Road, East Winch, nr. King's Lynn, Norfolk PE32 1NR. Tel: 01553-842336, Strandings: 08705-555-999, Fax: 01553-842543. Contact: Ian Robinson (Veterinary Manager, E-mail: robinson_ian@compuserve.com), Alison Charles (Deputy Manager). Other RSPCA wildlife hospitals at Stapeley Grange, Cheshire (Tel: 01270-610347) and West Hatch, Taunton, Somerset (Tel: 01823-480156) will also temporarily hold seals. A wildlife hospital admitting 5-6,000 casualties of around 250 different species each year. Admits around 100 seals each year, about 40% harbour seals and 60% grey seals. As well as admitting wildlife from the East Anglia region, takes casualties, especially seals, from throughout England and Wales if local facilities are lacking or full. Also takes second opinion referrals and difficult cases from elsewhere.
E: Save Our Seals (SOS), 15a St. Peters Road, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk NR30 3AY. Tel/Fax: 01493-393947, E-mail: seals@saveourseals.co.uk, Web: http://www.saveourseals.co.uk. Contact: Harry Nicholson. Volunteer-run rescue and rehabilitation centre for harbour seal pups, grey seal pups and marine birds stranded along the coast from Blakeney in Norfolk to Southwold in Suffolk. Rescued 22 harbour seal pups in the summer of 2001.
E: Sea Life Centres.
E: Seal and Bird Rescue Trust, The Barns, Mill Common Road, Ridlington, North Walsham, Norfolk NR28 9TY. Tel: 01692-650338, Emergency (Mobile): 07788-550183. Contact: Beverley Cossé (Trustee Chairman). A rescue centre for all wildlife, including harbour and grey seals (28 in 1999) for which it acts as a holding station before they are taken to the RSPCA Norfolk Wildlife Hospital. Covers an area of 100-110 km within Norfolk.
E: Skegness Natureland Seal Sanctuary, North Parade, Skegness, Lincolnshire PE25 1DB. Tel/Fax: 01754-764345, E-mail: natureland@fsbdial.co.uk, Web: http://www.skegnessnatureland.co.uk. Contact: Duncan Yeadon, Richard Yeadon. Set up in 1965, rescues and rehabilitates harbour and grey seal pups from the Lincolnshire area. Rescued 32 pups during the 2000-1 season, roughly 75% of which were harbour seal pups and 25% of which were grey seal pups. Has also rescued a hooded seal pup and a ringed seal pup.
E: Southern Marine Life Rescue (SMLR), 24 Durley Avenue, Cowplain, Hampshire PO8 8XA. Tel/Fax: 023-92-240201, Regional Rescue Coordinators: 07989-383374, 07773-433657, 07989-443139, E-mail: Info@SMLR.org. Contact: Carl R. Morgan (Director of Operations, E-mail: CarlRMorgan@SMLR.org). A volunteer-run rescue organisation set up in 1993. Main objective is to coordinate the rescue of sick, injured, stranded or orphaned marine mammals between Newhaven and Lyme Regis on the southern coast of the United Kingdom. Receives an average of 12 calls each year to attend harbour seals (mostly) and grey seals in distress, half of which are passed on to rehabilitation centres.
E: West Norfolk Seal Rescue Service, 77 Gayton Road, Kings Lynn, Norfolk PE30 4EH. Tel: 01553-774349. Contact: Alan and Brenda Giles. Has been rescuing and rehabilitating grey and harbour seals since 1975, picking up seals in an area from south of Scarborough to Ipswich. Rehabilitates an average of 20, as many as 43, seals each year.
IoM: Manx SPCA (MSPCA), Ard Jerkyll, East Foxdale, Isle of Man IM4 3HL. Tel: 01624-851672, Fax: 01624-852923. Contact: Nicola Shaw (Manager), Chris McConnell. Rescues mainly grey and also harbour seal pups from around the Isle of Man, administers first aid and stabilises the pups before transporting them to the Exploris Aquarium in Northern Ireland for rehabilitation.
NI: Exploris Aquarium, The Ropewalk, Castle Street, Portaferry, County Down BT22 1NZ. Tel: 028-4272-8062, Fax: 028-4272-8396, Web: http://www.exploris.org.uk. Contact: Tania Johnston (Seal Rehabilitation Officer, E-mail: tania.johnston@ards-council.gov.uk. Has been rehabilitating grey and harbour seal pups since 1989. Rescues 12-15 seals each year from around the whole of the Northern Irish coastline. Opened a purpose-built seal sanctuary at the end of 1999.
NI: Tara Seal Research Centre, 7 Millin Bay Road, Tara, Portaferry, County Down BT22 1QD. Tel/Fax: 028-4272-8600. Contact: Sue Wilson (E-mail: suewilson@marinelife.demon.co.uk). Rescues and rehabilitates up to 3 harbour seals each year, mostly from County Down.
S: Grampian Wildlife Rehabilitation Trust, 40 High Street, New Deer, Aberdeenshire AB53 6SX. Tel: 01771-644489 / 644205, Mobile: 07803-235383, Fax: 01771-644704. Contact: Laurence Brain. Linked to a veterinary practice. Takes in and rehabilitates small numbers of seals found stranded on the Aberdeenshire coasts, sometimes further afield.
S: Hessilhead Wildlife Rescue Trust, Gateside, Beith, Ayrshire KA15 1HT. Tel: 01505-502415, E-mail: hessilhead@hessilhead.supanet.com, Web: http://www.geocities.com/rainforest/vines/5227. Contact: Gay and Andy Christie. A rescue and rehabilitation centre for wildlife in the Strathclyde region which takes in an average of 6 grey and harbour seals each year. Gives talks to local schools.
S: Highland Wildlife Hospital Trust, Old Bank House, Argyle Street, Ullapool, Ross-shire IV26 2UB. Tel: 01854-612166, Mobile: 0771-4401419, E-mail: bb@radio1.org. Contact: Beatrice and Mike Brinkler. Rehabilitates wildlife from the Highlands and Islands region of Scotland, including up to 12 harbour and grey seals each year. Gives talks to local schools.
S: Highlands and Islands Wildlife Hospital, Skye Environmental Centre, Harapool, Broadford, Isle of Skye IV49 9AQ. Tel/Fax: 01471-822487 / 822894, E-mail: hospital@otter.org, Web: http://www.otter.org/hospital.html. Contact: Paul and Grace Yoxon. Rehabilitates any species of wild bird or animal, especially otters and seals. Receives up to 12 grey and harbour seals each year, mostly from the Outer Hebrides.
S: Hillswick Wildlife Sanctuary, The Booth, Hillswick, Shetland ZE2 9RW. Tel: 01806-503348, Fax: 01806-503747, E-mail: thebooth@freeuk.com, Web: http://www.wildlife.shetland.co.uk/marine/hillswick.html. Contact: Jan Bevington. Rescues and rehabilitates about 20 grey and harbour seals each year in the Shetland Islands. Also occasionally rescues hooded and ringed seals, sometimes acting as a release point for Arctic seals which have been rehabilitated further south. Gives talks to local schools.
S: Islay and Jura Seal Action Group, Kildalton, Port Ellon, Islay, Argyll PA42 7EF. Tel/Fax: 01496-302411, E-mail: fionamiddleton@netscapeonline.co.uk. Contact: George and Fiona Middleton. Rescues and rehabilitates an average of 6 harbour and up to 4 grey seals each year on the island of Islay, an important centre for both species. Campaigns to protect seals and to raise awareness of their beauty and intelligence. Home of 'Fiona of the Seals' who plays the violin to the seals and sings to them.
S: Orkney Seal Rescue, Dyke End, South Ronaldsay, Orkney KW17 2TJ. Tel/Fax: 01856-831463, Mobile: 07754-277320, E-mail: SelkieSave@aol.com. Contact: Ross Flett (Chairman). Rescues and rehabilitates 40-50 sick and injured grey and harbour seal pups each year from the Orkney Islands and the mainland of northern Scotland. Runs an "Adopt-a-Seal" programme. Works on local issues such as the shooting of seals and the designation of protected areas.
S: Scottish Sea Life and Marine Sanctuary, Barcaldine, Oban, Argyll PA37 1SE. Tel: 01631-720386, Fax: 01631-720529, E-mail: oban@sealife.fsbusiness.co.uk, Web: http://www.sealsanctuary.co.uk. Contact: Mark Steward (Displays Curator), Pete Simmers (Senior Aquarist), Heather Muir (Aquarist). Rescues and rehabilitates harbour and grey seals from the west coast of Scotland, and occasionally the north and east coasts. The seal hospital was opened in 1995 and cares for around 12 pups each year.
S: Scottish SPCA Wildlife Centre, Masterton Road, Dunfermline, Fife KY11 8QN. Tel: 01383-412520, Fax: 01383-411398. Contact: Sandra Bonar. To report a seal in distress, call Central Control Edinburgh (Tel: 0131-339-0111), Central Control Aberdeen (Tel: 01224-581236) or Central Control Inverness (Tel: 01463-231191). Rehabilitates injured and sick harbour and grey seals brought in by Scottish SPCA Inspectors from around the Scottish coast. Has a Wildlife Discovery Room and classroom facility. School parties can visit free of charge to learn about the Society' work rehabilitating seals and other wildlife.
W: Welsh Marine Life Rescue (WMLR), Liddeston House, Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire SA73 3PZ. Tel/Fax: 01646-692943, Mobile: 07970-285086, Web: http://www.welshseals.co.uk. Contact: Terry Leadbetter (Founder & Coordinator, E-mail: Trr.WMLR@tesco.net), Tina Martin (E-mail: tinap.martin@tesco.net). Rescues and rehabilitates grey seals from Pembrokeshire and surrounding counties. Rescued a total of 32 seals during the winter of 1999-2000. Gives talks at schools in the region.
W: Welsh Mountain Zoo, Old Highway, Colwyn Bay, North Wales LL28 5UY. Tel: 01492-532938, Fax: 01492-530498. Contact: Peter Dickinson (E-mail: user@elvinhow.prestel.co.uk). Rescues and rehabilitates sick, injured and stranded grey and harbour seals (mainly pups) from around the North Wales coast and further, up to 20 each year since 1970. Works in close cooperation with the local RSPCA. Has a purpose-built rehabilitation unit (not open to the public).
United States (Country Code +1)
State Abbreviations: AK = Alaska; CA = California; CT = Connecticut; DC = District of
Columbia; DE = Delaware; FL = Florida; HI = Hawai'i; MA = Massachusetts; MD = Maryland; ME
= Maine; NC = North Carolina; NJ = New Jersey; NY = New York; OR = Oregon; SC = South
Carolina; VA = Virginia; WA = Washington.
NOAA (National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration) Enforcement Hotline (24 hour, toll-free): 1-800-853-1964. To report harassment of marine mammals and marine mammals in trouble.
NOAA Fisheries - National Stranding Coordinator: NOAA Fisheries, Office of Protected Resources, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910. Tel: 301-713-2322, Pager (Toll-free): 1-800-494-2989, Fax: 301-713-4060. Contact: Janet Whaley (Coordinator, E-mail: janet.whaley@noaa.gov). The National Stranding Coordinator's role is to provide oversight and encourage cooperation among the regions in the U.S. The National Coordinator also assists in the coordination of response to unusual marine mammal mortality events.
NOAA Fisheries Regional Stranding Coordinators: (to report both live and dead stranded pinnipeds)
AK: Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC), P.O. Box 1329, Seward, AK 99664 (Visitors: 301 Railway Avenue). Tel: 907-224-6300 / 1-800-224-2525 (Toll-free), Stranding Hotline: 907-224-6395, Fax: 907-224-5391, Web: http://www.alaskasealife.org. Contact: Natalie Noll (Rehabilitation Coordinator, Tel: 907-224-6326, E-mail: natalie_noll@alaskasealife.org), Susan Inglis (Director, Research and Rehabilitation Operations), Shannon Atkinson (Science Director), Pam Tuomi (Animal Care Coordinator, Tel: 907-224-6340, E-mail: pamt@alaskasealife.org). A research-based facility that responds to orphaned and injured sea otters, birds and pinnipeds, mostly harbour seal pups, covering rescue calls from throughout the greater Alaskan coastal region. Has rehabilitated an average of 4-6 seal pups each breeding season since 1998. A number of pinnipeds arriving at the ASLC come via Anchorage Zoo (contact: Riley Wilson, Veterinarian, E-mail: PetStopAk@aol.com) which acts as an assessment centre for locally rescued pinnipeds.
CA: Friends of the Sea Lion Marine Mammal Center (FSLMMC), 20612 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651. Tel: 949-494-3050, Fax: 949-494-2802, E-mail: info@fslmmc.org, Web: http://www.fslmmc.org. Contact: Michele Hunter (Director of Operations / Animal Care). Founded in 1971 as a non-profit, volunteer-driven organisation dedicated to the preservation of marine wildlife. Rescues and rehabilitates just over 100 sick and injured pinnipeds on average each year along the coastline of Orange County, including California sea lions, Northern elephant seals and Pacific harbour seals, with a rare Northern fur seal every other year or so. Runs educational programmes, including open, docent-guided visiting hours, reserved tours, educational classroom presentations and special programmes for children.
CA: Marine Mammal Care Center at Fort MacArthur (MMCC/FM), 3601 South Gaffey Street, San Pedro, CA 90731. Tel: 310-548-5677, E-mail: FortMacCls@aol.com, Web: http://www.mar3ine.org. Contact: Jackie Jaakola (Director), Hugh Ryono (Media Relations Officer, E-mail: HugeRhino@aol.com). Based in Los Angeles County, treats distressed pinnipeds that come ashore on beaches from Ventura to Long Beach. Takes in an average of 200 California sea lions, Northern elephant seals, Pacific harbour seals, Northern fur seals and Steller sea lions each year. Part of the California Oil Spill Response Network to help oil-affected marine mammals in the case of a major oil spill in the State.
CA: The Marine Mammal Center, The Marin Headlands, Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Sausalito, CA 94965-2697. Tel: 415-289-SEAL(7325), Fax: 415-289-7333, E-mail: com@tmmc.org, Web: http://www.tmmc.org. Contact: B.J. Griffin (Executive Director), Frances M.D. Gulland (Director of Veterinary Science), Ann Bauer (Director of Education). Rescues and rehabilitates ill, injured, or orphaned marine mammals, covering almost 1,000 km of the Californian coastline from Mendocino County to San Luis Obispo County. Has rescued over 8,000 marine mammals in the past 25 years, including California sea lions, Northern elephant seals and harbour seals, less commonly Northern fur seals and Steller sea lions and, on rare occasions, Guadalupe fur seals. Carries out scientific research and has extensive communications and education programmes. Runs an "Adopt-a-Seal" scheme.
CA: Northcoast Marine Mammal Center (NMMC), 424 Howe Drive, Crescent City, CA 95531. Tel: 707-465-MAML (6265), E-mail: rescue@northcoastmarinemammal.org, Web: http://www.northcoastmarinemammal.org. Contact: Dennis Wood (President & Director of Veterinary Services). A non-profit organisation dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of stranded, sick or injured pinnipeds, mostly harbour seals and California sea lions, along the coastline of Del Norte and Humboldt counties in northern California. Promotes public understanding of marine mammals and the importance of the marine environment. Possesses specialised facilities and equipment for dealing with oil spills.
CA: Santa Barbara Marine Mammal Center, 389 North Hope Avenue, Santa Barbara, CA 93110. Hotline: 805-687-3255. Contact: Peter Howorth (Director), Mary Stack (Assistant Director, Tel: 805-964-0905, E-mail: stack@silcom.com). Rescues and rehabilitates marine mammals along the Santa Barbara County coast and at the Channel Islands, including California sea lions, harbour seals, Northern elephant seals, Northern fur seals and Guadalupe fur seals. The Center's rescue team provides training in rescue equipment and techniques to other centres as far away as Mexico. Research includes the documentation of pinniped entanglements.
CA: SeaWorld California, 500 SeaWorld Drive, Mission Bay, San Diego, CA 92109-7995. Tel: 619-226-3893, Toll-Free: 1-800-541-SEAL (7325), E-mail: SWC.Education@seaworld.com, Web: http://www.seaworld.org/infobooks/Rescue&Rehab/home.html. Contact: Dee Cross Jr. (Assistant Curator of Mammals, Tel: 619-226-3896, E-mail: Dee.Cross@seaworld.com). Rescues and rehabilitates an average of about 100 pinnipeds each year from southern San Clemente to the Mexican border. Species handled are primarily California sea lions, Northern elephant seals and harbour seals but also rehabilitates a few Northern fur seals and cetaceans. Tags all pinnipeds for post-release tracking. Has education department.
CT: Mystic Aquarium, 55 Coogan Boulevard, Mystic, CT 06355-1997. Tel: 860-572-5955, Fax: 860-572-5969, Web: http://www.mysticaquarium.org. Contact: David St. Aubin (Director, Research and Veterinary Services, E-mail: dstaubin@mysticaquarium.org). Investigates all reports of live and dead stranded marine mammals and sea turtles, with a coverage area of Connecticut, Rhode Island and Fishers Island (New York). Receives about 10-12 calls on average each year to attend live stranded harbour, grey, harp and hooded seals. Seals that require medical attention are rehabilitated at the Aquarium. All released seals are flipper-tagged, and a satellite tag has been used on an adult harbour seal. Also often takes in seals from other states for rehabilitation.
DE: MERR Institute, P.O. Box 411, Nassau, DE 19969. Tel: 302-228-5029 / 302-739-4782, Fax: 302-739-6780. Contact: Lee Spence (E-mail: lspence@state.de.us), Suzanne Thurman, Edna Stetzar. Rescues seals found stranded along the Delaware coast, bay and river areas. Currently has no facility for rehabilitation but can hold seals overnight if necessary before transfer to either the National Aquarium in Baltimore or, if need be, to the Marine Mammal Stranding Center in New Jersey. Responds in an average year to strandings of 2-5 harbour seals, 1-4 harp seals, 1-2 hooded seals, and 1 grey seal.
MA: Cape Cod Stranding Network, Inc. (CCSN), P.O. Box 287, Buzzards Bay, MA 02532. Tel: 508-743-9805, Pager: 508-600-0238, E-mail: ccsninfo@cape.com, Web: http://www.capecodstranding.net. Contact: Katie Touhey (Program Director), Liz Pomfret (Stranding Coordinator). A coalition of organisations formed in 1998 to provide humane care to marine mammals that strand on the shores of Cape Cod and to study causes of stranding. Seals requiring rehabilitation are transferred to the New England Aquarium. Handled live strandings of 4 harp seals and 1 other seal from November 1998 - August 1999. Species rescued also include a juvenile hooded seal. Educates the public on marine mammal strandings and the role of marine mammals in the ecosystem. Operates under the direction of the New England Aquarium.
MA: New England Aquarium, Central Wharf, Boston, MA 02110-3399. Tel: 617-973-6551, Hotline (Emergency Use Only): 617-973-5247, Fax: 617-720-5098, Web: http://www.neaq.org. Contact: Connie Merigo (Stranding Program Coordinator, E-mail: cmerigo@neaq.org). Has responded to over 6,000 distressed pinnipeds, cetaceans and sea turtles in southern Maine, New Hampshire and Massachusetts since the late 1960s. A five-person team manages hundreds of volunteers and subgroups to help cover 4,000 km of coastline. Also operates a satellite facility in Southern Massachusetts. Research programme has tracked over a dozen released rehabilitated seals, including harbour, hooded and grey seals, using satellite telemetry tags.
MD: National Aquarium in Baltimore, Pier 3 / 501 East Pratt Street, Baltimore, MD 21202-3194. Tel: 410-576-3850, Strandings: 410-576-1098, Fax: 410-576-1080, Web: http://www.aqua.org. Contact: Glenn Page (Director of Conservation), David Schofield (Marine Animal Rescue Program Coordinator, E-mail: dschofield@aqua.org). Rescues, rehabilitates and releases pinnipeds, cetaceans and sea turtles that strand along the coastal areas of Delaware, Maryland and Virginia. Responds to nearly ten live seal strandings and assists with up to twenty each year. Species rehabilitated include harbour, hooded, grey and harp seals. The Marine Animal Rescue Program also works through education outreach activities to raise public awareness about issues, such as marine debris, that threaten marine animal health. Has used satellite tags.
ME: Allied Whale, College of the Atlantic, 105 Eden Street, Bar Harbor, ME 04609-1105. Tel: 207-288-5644, Fax: 207-288-4126, E-mail: alliedwhale@ecology.coa.edu, Web: http://www.coa.edu/AlliedWhale. Contact: Rosemary Seton (Director, Stranding Response Program, E-mail: rseton@ecology.coa.edu). Responds to approximately 40 - 50 stranded seals each year, covering an area from Rockland, Maine up to the Canadian border. Rescues about 20 - 25 harbour seals each year, mainly pups from mid - May until late June - early July, about 10 - 12 harp and hooded seals each winter, a few grey seals and also one time a ringed seal. Seals requiring rehabilitation are transferred to suitable facilities. Holds a day-long marine mammal stranding training workshop each year which is open to all interested individuals.
ME: Marine Animal Lifeline, P.O. Box 453, Biddeford, ME 04005. Tel: 207-773-7377, 24 hour rescue hotline: 207-851-6625, E-mail: mal@stranding.org, Web: http://www.stranding.org. Contact: Greg Jakush (President). Rescues, rehabilitates and releases pinnipeds found stranded in New Hampshire and Maine. Responds to an average of 350 distress calls each year. The most common species rehabilitated are harbour, hooded, harp and grey seals. Training sessions for volunteers are conducted twice a year before each stranding season, and in-the-field training is provided all year round. Conducts continuous educational outreach programmes and hosts a seal adoption and membership programme. Operates under the direction of the New England Aquarium.
NC: North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island, P.O. Box 967, Airport Road, Manteo, NC 27954. Tel: 252-473-3494, Strandings: 252-728-8762 (Rachel LoPiccolo - Area Representative for Marine Mammal Stranding Network - Email: Rachel.LoPiccolo@noaa.gov), Fax: 252-473-1980, Web: http://www.aquariums.state.nc.us/files/strand.htm. Contact: Joanne Harcke (Conservation and Research Coordinator, Tel: 252-473-3494 x228, E-mail: Joanne.Harcke@ncmail.net), Michelle Gunn (Curator). Has the facility to hold smaller sick and injured marine mammals for short periods of time. Since 1994 has successfully rehabilitated and released 6 harbour seals and 1 grey seal, all of which were found during January-March along the North Carolina coastline. More seriously injured seals and those requiring medium- and long-term rehabilitation are transferred to rehabilitation centres further north. Works to educate the public on seal strandings.
NJ: Marine Mammal Stranding Center, P.O. Box 773, Brigantine, NJ 08203. Tel: 609-266-0538, E-mail: mmsc@bellatlantic.net, Web: http://www.mmsc.org. Contact: Bob Schoelkopf (Director). Founded in 1978, a non-profit organisation dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of stranded marine mammals and sea turtles along the New Jersey coastline. Responds to the strandings of migrating seals during the winter, most commonly harbour seals but also increasing numbers of harp, hooded and grey seals. Normally handles 30-50, but as many as 76, seals per year. Runs an "Adopt-A-Seal" programme. All seals are tagged before release and occasionally satellite tagged.
NY: Riverhead Foundation for Marine Research and Preservation, 428 East Main Street, Riverhead, NY 11901. Tel: 631-369-9840, 24-hour Stranding Hotline: 631-369-9829, Fax: 631-369-9826, Web: http://www.riverheadfoundation.org. Contact: Kimberly Durham (Stranding Director, E-mail: kdurhamny@aol.com), Robert DiGiovanni (Stranding Biologist, E-mail: radigi@aol.com), Kelly Cantara (Volunteer Coordinator, E-mail: kcantara@hotmail.com). A non-profit organisation founded in 1996 to administer the New York State Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Stranding Program. Primary mission is to preserve and protect the marine environment through education, rehabilitation and research. Rescues and rehabilitates over 150 sea turtles, cetaceans and seals, including harbour, harp, hooded and grey seals, each year. Also undertakes lectures, seal walks and cruises, and beach cleanups. Runs a seal adoption programme.
OR: Free Flight Bird and Marine Mammal Rehabilitation Center, 1185 Portland Avenue, Bandon, OR 97411. Tel: 541-347-3882. Contact: Dan and MeriJane Deuel (Directors). A volunteer-run wildlife hospital founded in 1976 that provides rescue, care and rehabilitation for injured and orphaned wildlife. Pinniped species that have been rescued include harbour seals and California sea lions. Offers an educational programme designed to expand the public's understanding and appreciation for the hazards threatening the natural world.
OR: Oregon Coast Aquarium, 2820 S.E. Ferry Slip Road, Newport, OR 97365. Tel: 541-867-3474, Fax: 541-867-6846, E-mail: info@aquarium.org, Web: http://www.aquarium.org. Contact: Guy DiTorrice (Public Relations Officer, Tel: x5224, E-mail: GuyD@aquarium.org). Rescues and rehabilitates many species of wildlife from the north and central Oregon coastline, including around 1-5 pinnipeds each year. Species of pinniped rehabilitated in the past include Northern fur seals, harbour seals and California sea lions. Carries out eco-conservation public education programme.
SC: Center for Coastal Environmental Health and Biomolecular Research at Charleston (CCEHBR), 219 Fort Johnson Road, Charleston, SC 29412-9110. Tel: 843-762-8500, Fax: 843-762-8700. Contact: Wayne McFee (Leader, Marine Mammal Stranding and Life History Project, Tel: 843-762-8592, Pager: 843- 961-2925, E-mail: Wayne.McFee@noaa.gov). Part of the National Oceans Service (NOS). Responds to one or two live strandings of harbour seals in South Carolina each year. Coverage includes the entire state.
VA: Virginia Marine Science Museum - Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Stranding Center, 717 General Booth Boulevard, Virginia Beach, VA 23451. Tel: 757-437-6159, 24 hour pager: 757-664-2755, Fax: 757-437-4933, E-mail: vmsmstranding@erols.com, Web: http://www.vmsm.com/rescue.html. Contact: Mark Swingle (Curator & Marine Mammal Stranding Team Coordinator), Wendy Walton (Veterinary Technician). A non-profit organisation established in 1991 to promote the conservation of marine animal species through research, rescue, rehabilitation and education. Responds to marine mammal or sea turtle strandings in Virginia and northeastern North Carolina. Live stranded seals requiring longer-term rehabilitation are stabilised and transferred to rehabilitation centres further north. Normally handles an average of 3-6 live stranded seals each year, mostly harbour seals but also including the occasional hooded, harp and grey seals.
WA: PAWS Lynnwood Wildlife Center (PLWC), 15305 44th Avenue West, Lynnwood, WA 98037. Tel: 425-787-2500 x817, Fax: 425-742-5711, Web: http://www.paws.org/work/wildlife/. Contact: Jennifer Convy (see below). Rehabilitates small numbers of harbour seals and Northern fur seals each year from the Puget Sound area. Seals are also rescued and brought to the centre by the PAWS Olympic Wildlife Center in McCleary (Contact: Jennifer Convy, Rehabilitation Manager, Tel: 360-495-3337 x12, E-mail: jconvy@paws.org). Has responded to calls for assistance and treatment in situ for sea lions. Formerly the H.O.W.L. Wildlife Center.
WA: Wolf Hollow Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, P.O. Box 391, Friday Harbor, WA 98250. Tel: 360-378-5000, E-mail: whollow@rockisland.com, Web: http://www.rockisland.com/~whollow. Contact: Shona Aitken (Education Coordinator). A general wildlife rehabilitation centre located on San Juan Island and treating animals from the San Juan archipelago and adjacent mainland. Rehabilitates abandoned and injured harbour seal pups, normally about 30 each year, which it receives from members of the local Marine Mammal Stranding Network and rangers from local parks. Occasionally cares for yearling Northern elephant seals. Some harbour seal pups are sent to the Center by the Sardis Wildlife Center (contact: Sharon Wolters, Director, Tel: 360-366-3863, E-mail: srdswild@az.com) which provides initial care to pups found stranded in Whatcom County.
Uruguay (Country Code +598)
Protección de Fauna Marina (PROFAUMA - Marine Life Protection), Museo Marítimo Malvín, Amazonas 1525,
Montevideo. E-mail: profauma@adinet.com.uy,
Web: http://www.interdia.com/profauma.
Contact: Daniel Delbene (Tel: 02-613-33-83, E-mail: laborlep@adinet.com.uy), Alfredo Le Bas (Tel:
02-522-26-37, E-mail: lebas@fcien.edu.uy),
Virginia Little (Tel: 02-682-05-53, E-mail: vlittle@adinet.com.uy).
A non-governmental organisation dedicated to protecting Uruguay's marine mammals,
birds and reptiles. Since its recent formation, has rehabilitated a South American fur
seal and a Subantarctic fur seal. Is working towards building a Marine Animal Hospital
with two sites, one in the city of Montevideo and the other on the east coast in the
Department of Canelones. Carries out pinniped-related scientific research and is
developing an educational programme.
SOS - Rescate de Fauna Marina (SOS - Marine Life Rescue), Calles 7 y 9 Punta Colorada, Piriapolis, Depto. Maldonado. Tel: 094-330-795 / 099-165-260, E-mail: sos-faunamarina@verdeamerica.zzn.com, Web: http://www.fx.com.uy/sos. Contact: Richard Tesore. A volunteer-run centre working since 1993 with the rescue, rehabilitation and re-release of sick and injured pinnipeds found along the entire Uruguayan coastline. During the year 2000 took in 20 South American fur seals, 15 South American sea lions, 5 Subantarctic fur seals, 4 Southern elephant seals and a leopard seal. Also rehabilitates marine birds and turtles.
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