Skegness Natureland Seal Sanctuary Faces Crisis Due to Broken Down Rescue Van
The Skegness Natureland Seal Sanctuary has expressed concerns about continuing to rescue seals using personal vehicles after their specialised van became irreparably damaged. According to the sanctuary, the rescue operations' quality may suffer "detrimental" effects due to this change in transportation.
Struggling to Carry Out Regular Seal Rescues
The Sanctuary is well-known for its rescue operations, aiding about 70 seals every year, typically one every week. These rescues often occur after walkers report encountering injured seals on Skegness Beach. Without the rescue van's availability, the Sanctuary's ability to carry out these timely critical interventions may be compromised.
The Importance of the Rescue Van
The specialised rescue van played an integral role in the sanctuary's efforts. It not only provided space for stretchers, larger crates, and quarantine facilities tailored to seal rescues, but its branded exterior also heightened public awareness of the Sanctuary's ongoing work.
Matthew Yeadon, a director at Skegness Natureland Seal Sanctuary, shared, "The rescue van has been unhappy for about a year now...It's not been ideal because if I'm taking an animal to the vet, we are without a rescue vehicle which is detrimental if we can't get out to rescue a seal. Sometimes we have many jobs booked in but have to pack them in to go and rescue a seal because that is the priority."
JustGiving Page to Fund New Rescue Van
Due to the current predicament, the sanctuary set up a JustGiving page to raise funds for a new van. Its goal is to acquire a reliable vehicle within the next few months, particularly before the grey seal pupping season in November. The campaign has received £565 so far, moving slowly towards the target of £130,000.
The JustGiving page reads, "This JustGiving page is to raise money for a year’s worth of rescue work for Skegness Natureland... Any donation, no matter the amount, is vastly appreciated by the Yeadon family and all of Natureland's dedicated staff."
What The Donations Fund
The Sanctuary's operational costs are covered solely by visitor donations and grants. Each rescued seal incurs an approximate cost of £2000 for complete rehabilitation. This amount is used for covering medication costs, food and intensive care services.