A YOUNG male New Zealand fur seal was rescued by Dolphin Marine Magic (DMM) staff over the weekend. The seal was first reported at Scott’s Head over a week ago and has been affectionately named ‘Scotty’ by local residents.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
“Staff from Dolphin Marine Magic and ORRCA Inc have been working together to monitor this seal every day, along with the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service and Scott’s Head locals, since the seal was first reported,” DMM Life Sciences manager Aaron Tolley said.
“Unfortunately the seal’s body condition has steadily declined over this period and on Sunday the Dolphin Marine Magic veterinarian, Dr Duan March, made the decision to bring the seal into temporary care.”
Dr March said the seal pup looked to be only around 12 months old and was found to be extremely dehydrated upon arrival at DMM. However Scotty has already displayed a healthy appetite which gives him a strong chance of successful recovery from his ordeal.
“The main thing now is get some food into him and let him build his strength back up. We are aiming to increase the seal’s body condition as fast as we can so that we can get him back into the ocean as quickly as possible,” Aaron said.
“It is common to see seals hauled out and resting along the NSW coastline during this part of the year however often these seals do not need assistance and should be left alone.
“If you do see a seal that you believe may be in distress, keep dogs and children well away from the animal, do not approach or attempt to touch the seal. Call DMM on 6659-1900 or ORRCA Inc or NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, for an expert assessment of the animal.”
This rescue is part of the ongoing work that DMM performs each year and it now boasts one of the highest rates of success for the rehabilitation and release of New Zealand fur seals in Australia.
