The common or harbour seal is found on the coasts of North America, Russia and Europe. In 2008 it was estimated that the world population was between 350,000 – 500,000 and just over 27,000 live on the shores of the United Kingdom and Ireland.
Seals can suffer injuries and seal pups can be orphaned but on the east coast of England at Skegness there is a seal sanctuary where injured seals and orphaned pups are nursed back to health before being returned to the sea.
A common or harbour seal.
A common harbour seal
Baby seals waiting to be fed. The attendant delivers an entertaining talk about the seals as she feeds them.
Baby seals waiting to be fed
I make a new friend…
A new friend
… who helps to demonstrate how the refraction of light in water makes the underwater body near than the head!
A seal helps demonstrate water refraction
I visited the seal sanctuary in April and recommend that anyone holidaying in the area should also make a visit. Find more details at Skegness Nature Land
