Gigha, our oldest resident has sadly passed away on the 11th September, just six weeks after giving birth to a healthy pup, christened Lora.

Gigha fell ill on Thursday 6th of September 2007 and the local vet was called immediately. She was prescribed antibiotics and anti-inflammatories for a suspected infection but her condition continued to deteriorate and she refused to eat.

It was decided that as Lora was still attempting to suckle, it would be better for both if she was removed to the seal pup nursery to be weaned by staff. When she is weaned, she will be moved back to the main pools to be with her dad Lorne.

Unfortunately Gigha continued to deteriorate and it was decided that a change of medication could help and so on Monday (10th of September 2007) the vet returned with a new prescription. On Tuesday her condition again deteriorated and she was in need of urgent medical attention. Staff moved her from the pools to the isolation ward and awaited the return of the vet. During this time her breathing became very laboured and she was very listless, shortly after the vets arrival, Gigha passed away peacefully. There was nothing else anyone could do and she was surrounded by the people who loved her.

Cause of death was simply old age with 24 being a very good age for a seal as they would live 15-20 years in the wild. The complication of having and caring for a pup at such a late stage of life did not help and after caring for and suckling Lora for six weeks was simply too much for her. The whole team are devastated by this loss as she was like a member of the family.

Lora, Gigha's pup is doing well she is now eight weeks old and is weaned and back into the main pool with her father Lorne. She is unaffected by the death and will not be hindered by not having her mother present as this would be stage, they would leave their mothers in the wild.

Gigha's long-term partner Lorne will be closely monitored for any signs of stress. He has been looking around for Gigha but now that Lora is in the pool and he is no longer alone he appears unaffected.

Gigha will be sadly missed by many, not only the team here, but also by a great many of our visitors who return again and again.