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Plea to give Thames seals space for everyone's safety
BBC • • world
Key Points:
- Marmalade, a harbour seal known for her bright golden coat, was a frequent visitor to the River Thames, particularly around Greenwich and Rotherhithe, but she died in May from a parasite disease.
- Thames Seal Watch warns the public to keep their distance from seals, as they can bite, carry zoonotic diseases, and experience stress from close human interaction, which may be fatal to the animals.
- Seal sightings are increasing along the Thames, with seals traveling further upstream, including as far as Windsor; there are about 3,500 seals in the river, mostly grey seals, with only 500 harbour seals like Marmalade.
- The UK Seal Alliance is campaigning for stronger legal protections for seals under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, highlighting the negative impacts of disturbance from people, animals, and drones on seal health and behavior.
- Defra states existing laws prohibit harming seals, but conservation groups urge enhanced measures, while volunteers continue to monitor and honor seals like Marmalade to promote their safety and well-being.
