Wildlife sanctuary

What has been the best part of my recent stay in Shetland? Spending time at the wildlife sanctuary. I am tremendously grateful for and inspired by their dedication to the local wildlife and the community.

Prior to coming, I had been following their recent work with helping abandoned and/or sick seal pups and otter cubs via Facebook. When I arrived, I descended on them out of the blue to volunteer. While I have been here, I have spent a number of afternoons at the sanctuary. My intention was to help, put myself to good use. The reality is I have benefited so much from spending time with them, so much more than I have helped.

The release of two seal pups into the wild was a moment I will never forget.

The un-ending winter storms brought in two grey seal pups, separated from their mums and not well. By the time I arrived, they had almost fully molted. They were healthy, swallowing fish whole, and lazing in the outdoor pool. Most of the hard work to heal and nurture these two was already done.

It was now twenty herring at each feeding time. The pups swallowing them whole within a few minutes and popping up in hopes for a few more fish to rain down on them from the side of the pool.

These two had completely different characters - one much more aggressive than the other. By the time I saw them in person, they seemed to have a bond. Certainly at ease with being together in the outdoor pool and lounging in the sun. With little knowledge in the nature of wild grey seals, I don't know if it was easier on them to go through this traumatic experience with another pup. Seems likely. It is a stressful way to begin their lives. Not only separated from their mum. Held in captivity. Everything is done to put them at ease but their natural home is in the wild. They are only in long enough to recover from any infection/illness, to become strong swimmers, to be able to eat fish whole, and to fatten them up as they would naturally have done with their mum. This is the only option to give them a chance at life. Still, it is stressful for them.

I was immediately charmed by those eyes of theirs. I would have loved getting close to these guys, spending hours with them. But I also realize that is not what is best for them. These creatures belong in the wild.

Once fattened up and swimming well, it was time to get them back into the wild, their natural home, and give them a second chance at life. On the day of their release, suddenly they looked so small. They were lounging out of the water in the sun, closing their eyes, completely relaxed. I suddenly felt so protective of these little ones. Would they be able to find their way?

To be honest, the release was much less traumatic than I thought it would be. It happened so quickly.

First sight of the open sea

One of the seals (the more aggressive one) took quite quickly to the new environment. The other was more tentative, returning often to side of the bay.

Some trepidation expressed each in their own way

I had hoped they would stick together for their first wee while in the wild but it seemed like one disappeared around the edge of the bay instantly. I was shocked at how quickly he took to the environment. Since then, I have re-watched the video of the release. For about a minute, he repeatedly popped his head up, looking back towards the shore. Was he looking at us? Or at the other seal pup? Or both?

Both seals (one is the black dot in the distance)

We didn't stick around long. There are people in the area who keep an eye out and will notify the sanctuary if they notice any problems. These boys have not been seen since. They are not tracked in any way. So there is no way of knowing what happens. During a release late last year, a common seal who had been in the sanctuary as a pup was happily lounging on a rock in the area. My guess is these two seal pups are finding their way in the world just as the common seal did.

Seals. In my opinion...Full of charisma. Confident. Laid back. Independent. Feisty when they want something. Playful. Sensitive.

I spend a lot of time walking the coastline. If I notice seals lounging on rocks, I try to avoid the section or be careful to not disturb them too much. They have very good eyesight. Even on sections without rocks, I often peer down only to notice them with their heads above the water watching me. As I continue, they will  casually follow me. My seal escort. They seem pretty relaxed about it. Yawning. Dipping down for a swim.

A few days ago, one seal followed me the whole length of the beach, side paddling. Occasionally disappearing only to cycle around when it would get too far ahead of me.

Now I can't help but wonder if some of those that join me on my walks are enjoying life in the wild because of the wildlife sanctuary. My guess is yes. The sanctuary has helped so many over the years. Such a positive force in protecting the wildlife here.

Getting a chance to observe the seals has been wonderful. Seeing the unselfish dedication and amount of love given by the folks that run the wildlife sanctuary has been inspiring and beautiful. As I learn more about the work they do and have done for so many years, I realize the significant impact they have made for the rehabilitation and survival of all sorts of wildlife in Shetland. It is not easy work. Not just the care of the animals and the place. One afternoon they received a call about a Heron with a possible broken wing. Within minutes, we were on our way to see what could be done for this bird.

Unfortunately there is too little of this dedication. Many of these animals are in distress because of humans. Seals get caught in plastic filament that cuts into their skin and restricts them from using their flippers. They are shot when they venture to close to our man-made fish farms. As if the storms and natural predators are not enough for these creatures to battle for survival.

While I am thrilled to come across a group of 30+ seals on the rocks or a small group of breeding birds, it was not long ago that there were many more here. I have seen the sadness in the eyes of those who have witnessed this dramatic decline in wildlife firsthand. When you know a place over a period of time, you can see the impact before your eyes. For me, it is seeing forests and wetlands destroyed. The place I knew in my childhood no longer exists. I certainly will not be as passive in my interest in protecting nature as I have been in my life up to now.

I am so grateful to the sanctuary for the work they do.