Released into the Ocean: First Group of Spayed Seals Returned
In a heartwarming event this breeding season, seven young seals were released back into the wild by the Norddeich and Friedrichskoog seal stations, the only authorized intake facilities for seal pups in Germany.
Peter Lienau, the director of the Norddeich seal station, described the release as "very successful." The seals, named Hubi, Steve, Scotty, Ariel, Heddies, Hugo, and Vicky, were transported to the beach of Juist by boat. After a brief exploration of their new freedom, they crawled towards the sea and dived into the North Sea waves.
The number of young seals in the Friedrichskoog station currently stands at 185, while the Norddeich station is caring for 121. This year, the young seals at the Norddeich seal station reached their release weight of 25 kilograms on average after 56 days.
The decrease in the number of abandoned young seals is attributed to fewer disturbances by humans during the main breeding phase from June onwards. Seals need a lot of peace and quiet to raise their offspring, and human disturbances may negatively impact this process.
However, the exact reason for the lower number of abandoned young seals being cared for in Norddeich this season compared to 2024 remains unclear. Fluctuations in abandoned seal numbers can be caused by several factors, such as natural population variations, changes in spring and summer weather affecting seal breeding and pup survival rates, and possibly greater awareness or intervention that reduces abandonment.
The breeding phase usually falls during the peak tourist season on the coast, which may contribute to the disturbances. This coincidence can potentially lead to more disturbances as seals need a quiet environment to breed successfully.
In the National Park Wadden Sea, seals are protected, and their well-being is of utmost importance. This successful release is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the teams at the Norddeich and Friedrichskoog seal stations. Here's to more successful releases in the future!
Other individuals who share a passion for nature and outdoor-living may find solace in the home-and-garden section of magazines, where they can learn about the importance of creating a welcoming environment for various species, such as the seals recently released back into the wild. Homeowners looking to incorporate this principle into their own homes could consider planting native vegetation that provides food and shelter for local wildlife, contributing to a thriving ecosystem and supporting a variety of lifestyles, both human and animal.
