Rare White Coat at Sanctuary

Experts at the National Seal Sanctuary have been surprised by the arrival of a grey seal pup still sporting its snowy white coat.

"Pups lose their white fur coat between two and three weeks old" explained Tamara Cooper, Animal Care Supervisor, "and since the vast majority are born between September and January, we were surprised to have a white coated pup this late in the season".

The pup was only a few days old, and needed to be fed on a high fat milk substitute for the first couple of weeks, before being moved on to fish soup.
April
"She was a little underweight for a new born pup and had a small lung infection, which has now cleared up and she is putting on weight".

The pup has been called 'April' and is receiving round the clock care from the dedicated team at the Sanctuary.

"Sometimes pups can be born either late or early around our shores" said Tamara, who urged anyone finding an abandoned seal to call the Sanctuary on 01326 221361.

Public disturbance is one of the largest causes why the Sanctuary will have to step in. This growing problem is highlighted in the new Seal Rescue centre the Sanctuary opened earlier this year, to educate and inform the public about the Do's and Don't's if you come across a seal pup on the beach.
"More often then not, the mother will be away at sea feeding, and will return to her off spring after two to three hours. The public should keep a safe distance and observe for a while before making any action, and always call for expert advice" added Tamara.
Issued by The National Seal Sanctuary
For more details, please contact Tamara Cooper or Rachael Vine on 01326 221361
Press Release date: 5th May 2008

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