Busy period for seal shelters - Busy Period at Seal Sanctuaries
In the picturesque coastal towns of Friedrichskoog, Schleswig-Holstein, and Norddeich, Lower Saxony, the anticipation is growing as the peak season for seal releases approaches. The Schleswig-Holstein station is currently home to a number of seals, with more on the way as the birth season continues.
The process of releasing seals during the summer months is a well-coordinated effort, involving several steps to ensure the animals' welfare and the engagement of the public.
Before release, seals that have been rehabilitated or raised in seal sanctuaries undergo thorough health checks by veterinarians to ensure they are fit to survive in the wild. This meticulous process is a crucial part of the release events, which are organised in close cooperation with regional wildlife and environmental agencies.
These releases often include educational components, where experts provide information about seal biology, conservation efforts, and how the public can help protect marine life. The events also support local tourism, attracting visitors interested in wildlife and nature conservation.
The seals are released at specific coastal areas where they can safely integrate back into their natural environment. In Friedrichskoog and Norddeich, these areas are chosen for their suitability in terms of food availability and shelter. After release, the seals are monitored to track their adaptation to the wild, often using tagging or observational methods, to assess their survival and movement patterns.
According to station manager Tanja Rosenberger, the station in Schleswig-Holstein has had an average year so far. Currently, approximately 250 young seals are housed in seal stations in Friedrichskoog and Norddeich. As of now, around 175 seals are in Friedrichskoog, while about 80 are in Norddeich. The smaller station in Norddeich is currently housing around 80 young seals.
Despite the current numbers, the birth season for seals is not over yet, as new seals are still being brought into the stations. A final assessment of the number of seals cannot be made until after the end of the main birth season in August.
This well-structured process not only helps maintain healthy seal populations but also supports local tourism through the Summer Series events, attracting visitors interested in wildlife and nature conservation.
The community is encouraged to contribute to the conservation of marine life through educational events held during seal releases. These events, organized in collaboration with regional wildlife and environmental agencies, provide insights into seal biology, conservation efforts, and ways for the public to help protect marine life. Additionally, these events promote outdoor-living and home-and-garden experiences, as they highlight the importance of preserving natural environments for the benefit of various species, helping maintain a harmonious lifestyle.
