Sea Life rescues record number of seal pups in 2016

The Sea Life shelter in Blankenberge on the Belgian coast this year received already 34 stranded seal pups, an absolute record, reports the amusement park and marine animal sanctuary, writes De Standaard.

In addition to the 34 seal pups collected since January, the shelter expects to be brought more grey seal pups before the end of the year. The previous record dates back to 2006, when 29 pups were rescued. Sea Life reports an average of about 20 stranded seal pups every year.

"The high figure shows that the populations are recuperating,” points out lead caregiver Manu Potin. “There is certainly no shortage of food, or we would see skinnier pups. But these young seals are not underweight, they are sick.” Three seal pups that washed ashore last weekend all suffered from pneumonia and lungworms.

Sea Life gives the seals the necessary medication and care they need to return to health for eventual release back into the sea.