We currently have two special visitors to the aquarium, a pair of harbour seals, both rescued from the North East’s beaches.
The first, a male, named Chester who is around 6 weeks old was brought in by the RSPCA from a beach in North Yorkshire. He was underweight and had swelling to his mouth caused by an infection.
The second, a female, named Sinead didn’t come as far, she was found by the old swimming pool on Longsands. She is slightly younger and had similar injuries.
The pair are being looked after by our dedicated team, who will nurture them back to full health before releasing them back into the wild.
Displays Supervisor, Terry McKeone said “Throughout the year we see a number of seals in our Marine Rescue Centre, for many different reasons.
Some come in with injuries caused by bite from other seals and dogs. Others have been abandoned by their mothers at a young age and cannot fend for themselves.”
While the two seals are in residence at the aquarium, we are hoping to help educate visitors about what impact they can have on seals. You can see the pair at the aquarium’s Marine Rescue Centre and learn about what you can do to help the seal population.
Both seals are feeding well and recovering from their injuries, it is hoped that they will be released back into the wild in the coming weeks.
Tynemouth’s Blue Reef Aquarium in partnership with the animal charity Pawz For Thought and the RSPCA have been rescuing and rehabilitating seals for over 10 years, during this period, over 200 Seals have been rescued.
