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Welcome to our News Update for Autumn 2024, if you are visiting the Hunstanton SEA LIFE, don´t forget to purchase your entrance tickets in advance.
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Common Seal Pups Rescue Season 2024!
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The weather conditions in Norfolk were perfect to release the rescued common seal pups who had been staying at the Sanctuary for the past four months.
The pups, Sage, Lily and Snowdrop, had reached their target weights of over 25kg+ and received their final health checks, this meant there were ready to be released back into the wild. It is such an amazing feeling for the team to see them happily "galumphing" back home. Good luck little ones.
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They were released back into the wild on the 11th of October 2024 on the beach in front of the SEA LIFE Centre.
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| The Mermaid People are Back at Halloween!
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The merpeople are back at SEA LIFE Hunstanton and this time getting a spooky twist!
Come and explore the full aquarium at these limited, intimate evening sessions, where you will also get a rare chance to marvel at the real-life mermaids, this October half-term on the 29th/30th of October 2024.
Don´t miss out - find out more and book your tickets.
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| Turning the tide : how we can reduce plastic pollution and protect our planet?
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Grace, The SEA LIFE Trust Conservation Officer for the Cornish Seal Sanctuary, gives some easy wins to help tackle the issue of plastic pollution.
"Plastic pollution on our beaches is a growing environmental crisis, but the good news is that we can all play a role in turning the tide.
From the items we use daily to the choices we make while shopping, small changes can add up to a big impact. Whether it´s bringing reusable bags, avoiding single-use plastics, or participating in local beach cleans, our everyday actions can help protect marine life and keep our coastlines clean.
Because of the benefits of plastic, its global production has doubled every decade. The amount of plastic produced, since 1950, has measured to about 9.2 billion tonnes - the weight of roughly 88 million blue whales! However, plastic pollution has become one of the most pressing environmental concerns.
Much of this plastic ends up as rubbish, single use plastic, such as coffee cups and disposable cutlery, are particularly harmful and contribute to 40% of global waste - damaging natural habitats, endangering wildlife, and polluting communities around the world.
Unlike other materials, plastic does not biodegrade. It can take up to 1,000 years to break down, so when it is discarded, it builds up in the environment.
These plastics will degrade into smaller and smaller pieces and are known as microplastics. Microplastics pose a huge threat to the health of our ocean and the creatures who call it home."
Click here to read more.
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| If you find a Seal in the Wild
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For over 35 years Hunstanton SEA LIFE has been rescuing, rehabilitating and releasing seal pups from the North Sea coastline and beyond that find themselves in trouble, whether it be eye problems, respiratory infections and malnourishment to broken bones, pollution-related problems and being separated from their mother too soon.
A quick reminder that if you discover a seal pup that is in distress or alone, please call the Hunstanton SEA LIFE on 01485 533576 and/or the British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) team on 01825 765546.
The Animal Care Team are on call around the clock to race to the rescue of seal pups in trouble anywhere around the coast.
DO keep your distance;
DON´T attempt to handle or touch the pup;
DON´T attempt to put the pup back in the sea;
DON´T ignore the situation;
DO tell the appropriate organisation.
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When you ring, please be prepared to give an exact location of the seal, your contact details, what condition is the seal in for example is it alone, thin, injured or seems unwell (noisy breathing, coughing, runny nose). Tell people around you to keep clear of the seal by at least 50 metres, if you can, draw a circle in the sand around the pup.
Remember most often seals come out of the water on to land to rest, digest after eating their food, relax and sleep.
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What to do if you find a dead seal on beach!
If you come across a dead seal, the advice is not to touch or go near it, please call
West Norfolk council on 01553 616200.
If you find a stranded living marine animal, please call the SEA LIFE Sanctuary on 01485 533576 and/or the British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) team on 01825 765546.
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Souvenir Guide Books
Here are the front covers of the Sanctuary´s Guide book.
If during your next visit you purchase a copy, the profits go towards the care of the rescued seal pups in the hospital.
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Click here to download Hunstanton SEA LIFE´s leaflet
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| Grey Seal Pupping Season!
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The grey seals pups season is normally between October and March, if you are visiting the coast around Norfolk, you may well see pups, can we remind you that they may look cute, but they have sharp teeth that carry harmful bacterial.
This photo was taken using a large telephoto lens.
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This news update has been put together by volunteers/supporters of the Hunstanton SEA LIFE.
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