Blog
When we got there it looked like he/she had come in on this mornings tide and was happy enough lying about on the pebbles watching the world go by.
Stranding along the coast here are fairly common and not usually true strandings. that has more to do with our perception than what was going on for the pup. As I was the least qualified of the two of us in maritime mammal rescue I was sent home with the dog to fetch supplies. And at the same time another BDMLR medic was on her way with a kennel.
By the time I returned the whole situation had turned into something of a marine mammal rescue bun fight with various rescue groups claiming responsibility for the seal. It had been decided that the seal was in imminent danger and in need of emergency evacuation. Unfortunately for the seal it was a decision that was made with minimal thought for its daily life or well being.
As with any rescue situation the primary objective is to ascertain what is best for the rescuee. Sometimes people are quick to jump to conclusions and its a good example of one of my golden rules in rescue and survival.
S - Situation - Is the immediate environment around the area safe.
T - Tea break - take a time out to stay calm and look at options
O - Opt - decide on your course of action
P - Proceed - get on with the plan
The seal was in no imminent danger and so there was opportunity for all these things to happen. OK I only had flasks of hot coffee no tea but plenty of biscuits.
My own personal opinion was that the seal could have had a full assesment made of its condition there on the beach. which from my quick overview looked to be healthy and full of spirit but maybe a little malnourished.Then a decision as to whether it would be in its best interest to be taken inland to a sanctuary could be made on a more informed basis. As it was the least qualified of the rescuers decided to bulldoze the pup into a crate not feeling it would survive another few hours on its own.
The rant could go on but the decision was made and the seal is gone however I can give you a few pointers in case you should find yourself in a similar situation
Firstly and most importantly have a look around and check for obvious dangers both to you and the seal. Big thing is to minimise the stress for the seal, chances are it was happily minding its own business and doesn't need any attention or help. so once your sure its all safe, retire to a safe distance and call the BDMLR. Other than observing it and keeping curious people and dogs away theres not much to do. Keep an eye out for mum who will be mad if your interfering too much and monitor the situation till someone trained arrives.
Seals are often out of the water between tides they just usually pick beaches away from the tourist favourites. Young seals are left for hours by their parents so to monitor it over the 8-12 hours of a tidal cycle does it no harm. In fact its probably the best thing that you can do for it.
If it is in danger or of poor health there is plenty that can be done to help it, whether its just a few days of TLC or a course of medicine. The BDMLR medic is well qualified and experienced enough to know when and where help is needed let them make the decision.
The very last option should always be removing the seal, in fact most of the times you encounter wildlife its nearly always best to leave well alone. Remember these things are happening all the time, its only when we see them and start anthropomorphising that it gets complex.Try to imagine what would be happening if you weren't there and make that happen.
