Nala was found with bite wounds, most likely from an unleashed dog on the beach. At the time she was discovered, she weighed 14.8 kilograms, but has since filled out and now weighs 39 kilograms. The incident of dogs attacking seals is not uncommon and is a concern for the Sea Life team. An information campaign has been launched and it seems that the message has been received by walkers.
Steve Vermote from Sea Life Blankenberge stated that people are increasingly aware of the danger posed to the seals, dogs, and themselves. Even though seals may appear cute, they can be dangerous. Frances was discovered in February on Knokke-Heist beach, in a weak state, with a fever.
Both seals have made a full recovery and were released back to sea on Monday. However, three other seals are still receiving care at the Sea Life center in Blankenberge.
The article is accompanied by multiple photos of the seals being released into the North Sea.
Nala had bite wounds, probably inflicted by a walker’s dog on the beach. The animal weighed 14.8 kilos at the time, and in the meantime has filled in to reach 39 kilos. The phenomenon of bites by dogs left loose is not new, and worries the Sea Life team. An information campaign has been set up, and the message seems to have passed on to walkers.
“We have noticed that people realize the danger, for the seals, for the dogs, but also for themselves, because the seals look cute but can be dangerous”, notes Steve Vermote, from Sea Life Blankenberge . Frances had been discovered in February on the beach of Knokke-Heist, very weak and with a fever.
Both animals are sufficiently recovered and were released back to sea on Monday. Three other seals are still at the Sea Life care center in Blankenberge.
In conclusion, the release of Nala and Frances back into the North Sea marks a successful recovery for these two seals. However, the ongoing issue of dog attacks on seals remains a concern for Sea Life Blankenberge. The organization’s information campaign has made progress in educating walkers about the dangers of leaving their dogs loose near the beach, but there is still work to be done. We can all play a part in protecting marine life by being mindful of our actions and respecting the habitats of these remarkable creatures.