Hotdog The Seal Pup to Be Released!

Great news! Hotdog, the seal pup we have sponsored, has made such great strides that he is due to be released back into the wild soon along with some of his seal pup pals that were rescued alongside him!

You are no doubt aware that in early December 2020 a tiny Cornish Grey seal pup was rescued off the coast of Penzance by the British Divers Marine Life Medics. In support of the Cornish Seal Sanctuary the ASI decided to sponsor his rehabilitation so that he could be safely returned to the wild. 

Continued support tor the Cornish Seal Sanctuary

Alongside Hotdog’s sponsorship we have been working hard to raise awareness of the plight of seal pups and the tireless work of the Cornish Seal Sanctuary amongst our members and the wider SUP and surfing communities that are all too familiar with these friendly and precious mammals; often meeting in unexpected wild encounters. Many of these stories we’ve been sharing with you in our blog and social media. We will, of course, continue to raise awareness, educate our audience and support the CSS going forward.

The big day is nearly upon us!

Georgina from the Sanctuary got in touch to let us know that Hotdog’s release was imminent! 

“I am delighted to let you know that your pup has finished their rehabilitation and is ready to be released back to the wild! 

The care team are carefully planning the release and are looking at Saturday 6th February. This will depend on the weather, tide and location to ensure safe and successful release for the pups. The pups we are looking to release are: Sprout, Nacho, Haggis, Hot Dog, Buffalo Wing, Pigs in Blankets, Stuffing and potentially Guinness - we are weighing him today!” She said.

“Thank you so much again for your support, ensuring these pups could be rehabilitated, their injuries and ailments healed, so they can return to their natural habitat and thrive in the wild. It is thanks to you that this has all been possible!” She added.

Hotdog’s release video coming soon!

We will let you know how his release goes and will hopefully have a video of  the moment he returns to the wild to show you too!
 

Seal safety 

Remember, should you come across seals it’s important to engage mindfully with the encounter. ASI instructor and marine biologist, Alana Bonnick (The Paddle Shack) gives us this advice:

“Always keep 100 yards away from marine life as they are wild animals and therefore can be unpredictable. If humans get too close we can also cause large amounts of stress to the animal which in some cases can result in injury, so it is best to just keep your distance! It is fine if the animal's curiosity gets the better of them and they decide to venture closer, like I said, I've had some very close encounters! But it is just important that it is on their terms.”
 

About seals and the Cornish Seal Sanctuary 

Find out more about the UK’s seal population,  how you can help them and what to do if you encounter them whilst out paddling or surfing in our interview with the Cornish Seal Sanctuary.

Don’t forget to follow our campaign #ASISealRescue and keep up to date with our campaign to support the Cornish Seal Sanctuary and send us your seal encounter stories if you want your very own, limited edition, Cornish Seal Sanctuary water bottle!

You can also donate to the Seal Sanctuary

Put a visit to the Cornish Seal Sanctuary on your to do list, when we get out of lockdown.  Entry fees help to fund the Sanctuary.

Photo:  Hotdog ! 

 

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About ASI
ASI is a professional membership and training organisation and international governing body for instructors, coaches and schools in the outdoor recreation industry for surfing, stand up paddle and bodyboarding.

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