ATLANTA was rescued from a beach in the Scottish highlands and taken to the Highland Wildlife Hospital at Ullapool where Beatrice Brinkler succeeded in restoring the seal's general health. Unfortuately, Atlanta had badly damaged eyes, probably pecked by birds, and Beatrice realised that there was little she could do to restore the seals sight, so she called the Scottish Sea Life Sanctuary for help.

Atlanta was moved to the Scottish Sea Life Sanctuary and Sue Thornton, from Bristol-based International Zoo Veterinary Group was called to examine the seal. Sue confirmed that Atlanta must have had a serious eye infection, which has now cleared up, unfortunately leaving her blind. For the next few months, Atlanta stayed as a guest at the Scottish Sanctuary, so her condition could be monitored.

In September 2002, four weeks into her stay at the Sanctuary’s pools, there did not appear to be any improvement in Atlanta’s eyes. If no change is seen she will most likely move down to Cornwall at the end of September 2002.

Atlanta finally left Oban on the 13th of October 2002. The Curator for Marine Mammals, Mark, based at the Scottish Sea Life Sanctuary, drove her to Cornwall. It was a long journey, hampered slightly by high winds in the latter stages, but Altlanta took this in her stride. Despite her blindness, she has always been a calm seal and seems to trust our actions. She has now settled in here at the Sanctuary, making new friends and winning the hearts of both visitors and staff.

During May 2003, Atlanta had blood samples taken as the animal care team had observed that she was losing her fur and had not moulted properly. Due to abnormal hormone levels in her blood, ‘Attie’ is now being treated in the same way as Ray and Marlin. The enrichment device, the bubble curtain, was placed into her enclosure to provide her with a tactile device that would hopefully give her something to play with. Unfortunately she has paid no interest in the bubbles.