A record number of 52 grey and common seal pups have been rescued so far this year at Hunstanton Sea Life sanctuary – nine more than last year's record with four months of the year still to go.
Three factors are behind the increase, according to the sanctuary's most experienced seal rescue expert, Kieran Copeland. He said: 'Firstly, there was the stranding of the sperm whale, our involvement in which raised the profile of the sanctuary and alerted a lot more people to the fact that we're here and doing this work. Then, there have been closures of other facilities like the Winterton Seal Hospital, and finally there has been lots of sunny weather.'
With more people on the beaches, there's more likelihood of seal mums being disturbed and abandoning their offspring, he said, which is why it's so important for the public to be aware of seals and what to do when coming across one.
The sanctuary estimates it has spent more than £28,000 so far this year on medications and feed alone.
Of this year's rescues, 10 are convalescing in the outdoor pool prior to being released back into the wild, and 13 pups are in the specialist seal hospital.
Are you looking after a rescued animal? Email david.bale2@archant.co.uk
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