2.
Grey seals give birth from late February to early March. They usually have one pup, and only rarely two. Gestation lasts about 11–11.5 months. Newborn pups are 40–75 cm long and weigh around 15 kg. The mother nurses her pup for 17–19 days, during which the pup can gain up to 30–40 kilograms.
At the beginning of March, the Lithuanian Sea Museum receives many calls about grey seal pups washed ashore. People dial 112 to report the location of the seal, its condition and other details that help staff of the museum or other institution reach the weakened animal and bring it to the rescue centre.
Upon arrival, the pups are taken to the animal reception area where biologists or veterinarians examine, clean and weigh them, and also plan further treatment or necessary operations. After the check-up, the animals are moved to the quarantine facilities.
On the wall (“Map of Seal Pups”), there is a stylised representation of the Baltic Sea coast showing the places where the seals were found. Nearby, you can see information boards with brief details about each pup.
What should you do?
Don’t drive a seal back into the water.
Don’t feed it.
Don’t touch it.
Keep the pup away from dogs and overly curious people. Let it rest.
If possible, wait for specialists from the institutions mentioned above to arrive.