When is a seal chosen for rehabilitation?
Jun/19/09 01:31 PM
It is a very complex and difficult decision to determine which animals are candidates for rehabilition in the Northwest Region. And unfortunately, not every seal pup or adult pinniped is considered a candidate. First of all, unlike California, Washington State has no dedicated marine mammal rehabilitation facility. Only PAWS (Seattle area) and Wolf Hollow (San Juan Islands) are able to take in seals for treatment and rehab and the space is quite limited. Additionally, it is estimated that it costs upwards of $10,000 to rehab one seal pup, as they must be tube fed if still nursing and stay at the facility for months before being released into the wild. If you would like to make a donation to PAWS please request that it be designated for seal rehab. If you would like to make a donation to Wolf Hollow please request that it be designated for seal rehab. If you would like to email Governor Gregoire requesting that our state establish a marine mammal rehab facility, click here.
Secondly, it is important that no marine mammal be removed from their natural habitat unless it is absolutely necessary. If removal is necessary, it will be done only by approved authorities. It is very stressful on an animal to be removed from the wild and put in a car or pickup to be driven for treatment. Oftentimes, if the seal is already terribly sick or injured, that can put such undue stress on the animal that they do not survive the trip itself. Because of the combination of that stress and the limited resources, a health assessment must be done on an individual basis to determine the feasibility of survival and rehabilitation. This includes photo documentation if available and analysis by NOAA's Marine Mammal Stranding expert or by a Fish and Wildlife biologist. If at all possible, a health assessment will be done on site. Health assessment includes determining obvious wounds, nasal, eye and mouth discharge, and body weight. If an animal is injured due to human cause, it will be assesed and then determined if the animal can be admitted to a rehabilitation facility. NOAA is implementing a training program for vets to do onsite health assessments and, if necessary, euthanasia of an animal that is suffering on the beach. If you are a vet or veterinary technician, please email Kristin Wilkinson, NOAA stranding expert, if you are interested in this training.
Secondly, it is important that no marine mammal be removed from their natural habitat unless it is absolutely necessary. If removal is necessary, it will be done only by approved authorities. It is very stressful on an animal to be removed from the wild and put in a car or pickup to be driven for treatment. Oftentimes, if the seal is already terribly sick or injured, that can put such undue stress on the animal that they do not survive the trip itself. Because of the combination of that stress and the limited resources, a health assessment must be done on an individual basis to determine the feasibility of survival and rehabilitation. This includes photo documentation if available and analysis by NOAA's Marine Mammal Stranding expert or by a Fish and Wildlife biologist. If at all possible, a health assessment will be done on site. Health assessment includes determining obvious wounds, nasal, eye and mouth discharge, and body weight. If an animal is injured due to human cause, it will be assesed and then determined if the animal can be admitted to a rehabilitation facility. NOAA is implementing a training program for vets to do onsite health assessments and, if necessary, euthanasia of an animal that is suffering on the beach. If you are a vet or veterinary technician, please email Kristin Wilkinson, NOAA stranding expert, if you are interested in this training.
