Exploris Seal Sanctuary comes to the rescue this pupping season

6th July 2023

It’s pupping season for the harbour seals of Northern Ireland. All around the coasts, young seals are beginning to venture into the water and explore the seas for the first time - some of them will take their first swim at just a few hours old!

But it’s not all sunshine and mackerel for every pup.

At just a few days old, Briar found himself facing starvation alone on the shores of Rathlin Island. He’d been abandoned by his mother. Fortunately, with the help of the RSPB, Exploris intervened and rescued the young seal from a grim fate.

He’s the latest in a long line of pups to be welcomed into Exploris Seal Sanctuary, Portaferry. Since it opened in 1989, over five hundred sick, injured and abandoned seals have come into the sanctuary and come out of it; hefty, healthy and ready to live full lives in the wild. With a lifespan of over thirty years, it’s possible that some of the first seals ever rescued by Exploris are swimming around in our seas.

Briar has come at a good time, too. Not only will he enjoy the undivided attention of the keepers before sanctuary fills up with dozens more pups across the season, he’ll also be about for the launch of the aquarium’s new Under the Sea Experience. During his stint at the sanctuary, he’ll get check-ups from the vet, get whatever medication he needs and then rediscover the outdoors and learn to socialise with other seals.

Exploris Conservation Officer Blair Bailie explained:

“From disease outbreaks to human interference, harbour seals have it tough. Their populations have been suffering in Northern Ireland over the past few decades and it’s hugely important to make sure every pup is given the best chance of survival we can afford it. Every seal rescued, rehabilitated and released makes a difference.

Not only are seals one of the most graceful and intelligent native animals on the island of Ireland, but they play a vital role in the health of our oceans by bringing balance to our marine ecosystems. A healthy, thriving population of seals benefits everything from whelks to whales!”

It’s important you never approach a seal - not only could it bite or spread diseases but you could also scare mothers away from their pups. As a general rule, if a seal is looking at you, you’re too close!”

If you think a seal pup needs help you should contact Exploris Seal Sanctuary.  More details can be found here.

Find out more about Exploris Aquarium and Seal Sanctuary in Portaferry.