Image: Coquet Vets. All rights reserved.
In September 2023, members from our team of vets, nurses and receptionists completed a course with British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) to become Marine Mammal Medics.
This means that we can be contacted by BDMLR to attend sightings of seals, dolphins, and whales at our local coastlines. In attending these sightings, we can carry out health assessments, rescues, and transportation to rehabilitation sites, where appropriate.
Image: Coquet Vets. All rights reserved.
The BDMLR rescue hotline is available on their website. Members of the public can contact them with sightings of possible stranded marine mammals, and they will then contact us volunteers to attend sightings.
In October last year, we had our first seal pup rescue. It was brought to the practice for first aid treatment and then taken to a rescue centre. See below for some photos of the seal pup that we treated.
Please bear in mind if you spot a marine mammal you believe to be stranded or unwell, the best course of action is to keep a safe distance away from the animal (being at least 45 metres), keep pets on a lead and do not allow them to approach or intimidate the animal, and to contact a rescue organisation such as the BDMLR.
Did you know that you can get involved too? The BDMLR are always looking for volunteers to join the team and help with the rescue of our marine mammals! Visit their Facebook page or website for more information.
