The plight of six seals who lost their mothers during devastating storms in the UK is being backed by Manchester photographic duo.
The husband and wife team of underwater photographers based in Manchester have offered up their services for free after 100 grey seal pups to be swept from their mums by storms.
The frightened seal pups were taken to the East Winch Wildlife Centre in Norfolk but they were so overwhelmed with numbers they had to send groups out other centres in the UK.
Six little pups came all the way to the RSPCA Stapley Grange rescue, rehab and release centre in Cheshire.
HAPPY CHAPPY: A frightened seal pup finally smiles at his lucky ‘catch’
Nick and Caroline Robertson-Brown, who run Frogfish photography in Manchester, were distressed to hear the news and made sure they visited the centre first-hand.
“When we heard about these seals we just knew we needed to get in touch and mobilise all our contacts in the marine world to help out because it’s costing the centre an awful lot of money to feed these poor animals,” Nick told MM.
WHERE’S MY DINNER: A seal pup waits expectantly for food
“It was very sad to see them because they were very stressed out and worried because of course they’ve lost their mums and are being force fed. They are far more aggressive than the seals we would usually be underwater playing with.
“The centre in Cheshire is doing a wonderful job but they need help because they haven’t been able to budget for this- they need a big chunk of money and it’s a small centre.”
SMILE FOR THE CAMERA! A seal in its natural habitate captured by Frogfish Photography
It is one of the biggest seal rescue operations ever undertaken in the UK.
Each seal needs to be fed four times a day and will cost £22 per week per seal (in fish alone) for the five months that it will take to rehabilitate them and release them back into the wild.
Nick and Caroline, who both have degrees in biology from Manchester University with Caroline also having a masters in animal behaviour, have always had a passion for the marine species and expressed how crucial it is to help protect them.
“Even in a place like Manchester where you don’t have access to see these beautiful creatures it’s important to remember how vital the marine environment is,” Caroline said.
CAN YOU HELP? Campaign asks for public to donate (see details below)
“The seals are one of the most charismatic species that we have in the UK and at t this time of year thousands of people flock to the cost to see these pups laying on the beach- it’s a truly spectacular sight.
“They are a truly iconic marine species and so it’s really important that we look after them. On a personal note I think my favourite thing in the world is diving with seals because they are so much fun, they play games with you like hide and seek and full of character.”
To donate now and help the RSPCA with the seals, please text SEAL02 followed by how much you would like to donate to 70070 (eg, SEAL01 £3). Texts cost your chosen amount, plus a standard network rate message.
For more information click here, https://www.facebook.com/pages/Frogfish-Photography/110390302375176
All photography courtesy of Frogfish Photography, with thanks.
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