Caring for seals and their habitats is an ongoing fight – one that constantly needs new champions. Across the world, dedicated teams take on the demanding, expensive work of seal rescue and conservation, often without government funding, relying entirely on donations and public support.
For those running seal hospitals, medical costs quickly add up. Sanctuaries caring for seals who cannot survive in the wild make a lifelong commitment – housing and feeding some residents for their full lifespan of 30 years or more. Even smaller tasks, like using photo IDs to monitor seal populations, come with costs. The good news? Every contribution makes a difference. And there are many ways to become a champion of sealhood!
| Item | Details | Avg.Costs |
| Daily food supply | fish for day for 1 seal pup | $10-15 |
| Fish smoothies for 1 day | special mix of fish-mash and oil (or milk) for feeding small dehydrated pups who are not on fish diet yet | $50 |
| Parasite removal | Per seal: removal of lungworms or other parasites; includes full course of medication and diagnostics | $75 |
| Salt treatment | salt bath for seals with entanglement wounds using 150 kg food grade salt or more per day | $150+ |
| PPE for ICU care | Per person per entry: includes gloves, mask, shoe covers, gown, and laundering of reusable items | $5 |
| Satellite tag | A salellite tag collecting geographic location data after the seal's release for a few months | $3500 |
| Overall rehab of 1 seal pup | full avarage cost of treatment, housing, and food | $2500 |
| Overall rehab of 1 adult seal | full avarage cost of treatment, housing, and food | $10 000+ |
The Costs of Care
These costs vary a lot depending on location and are sourced from statements of several seal rescue centers and hospitals.
“The long-term dedication of exceptional people who function as ‘champions’ of the animals is an essential ingredient for successful conservation.” – Marine Mammals: The Evolving Human Factor
Ways to Help
Every contribution makes a difference in saving and caring for rescued seals. Whether it’s a direct donation, adopting a seal, or providing much-needed supplies, here’s how you can help:
Direct Donations
The simplest way to support seal rescue centers is through financial donations. Your gift helps cover medical care, food, and rehabilitation efforts. Donate now to make an immediate impact.
Adopt a Seal
Want to make your donation more personal? Many seal centers offer adoptions, where you receive updates and photos of a seal you’re supporting. It’s a great way to feel connected to the cause and can make a great gift, too.
Donate Supplies or Buy from Wishlists
Some centers accept physical donations such as towels, medical supplies, or fish. Others have Amazon Wishlists, making it easy to purchase the exact items they need. Look for needed supplies on their web pages or social media to donate directly.
📍 In our directory of rescue centers and other facilities you can choose from stations and projects across the globe to find places to donate to. The Seal Signal provides links directly to their donation and adoption possibilities if you click on a facility.
📧 We will regularly highlight outstanding organizations in our Donation Dives! If you’d like to get updates on those, consider subscribing to our newsletter.
Seal rescue centers and conservation projects rely on dedicated volunteers, especially during pupping season. While opportunities working directly with wildlife are often much sought-after, there are many ways to help – even if you’re not a marine biologist or vet student!
Specialist Wildlife Care
If you’re studying veterinary medicine, marine biology, or animal science, many centers offer hands-on internships and training. These positions fill quickly, as they provide invaluable experience for students looking to work with marine mammals. Check with individual seal centers for availability.
Essential Daily Care
Seals need clean habitats and fresh food to stay healthy, and this work takes constant upkeep. In some places this will also be done by interns, but volunteers can help with:
- Cleaning enclosures
- Preparing food
- Assisting staff with basic tasks
It may not be glamorous, but it’s vital to keeping rescued seals safe!
Educating People and Protecting Seals
Not every role involves direct contact with seals, but volunteers are essential in public outreach and patrolling beaches:
- Docents & Guides: teach visitors and beachgoers about seal conservation
- Seal Guards: help monitor beaches & prevent human disturbance, assess seals in the wild
- Observers: keep an eye on seal populations and their behavior in a changing environment
Remote Volunteering
If you’re not able to go to the coast or to a seal center to volunteeer, there are still ways:
- Citizen science: identifying and counting seals and seal populations is vital for conservation work! And it would not be possible without lots of volunteer hours put in by citizen scientists – you could help conservation groups with photo IDs or join an internet campagin like Walrus from Space!
- Ask conservation groups: you have skills that are helping remotely (like IT skills) or are willing to put in some time? Write an email and ask if there is need, and there might be an opportunity.
💡 Each rescue center has different needs and openings, so availability depends on location, time of year, and number of applicants. Check with your nearest center to see what roles they need most!
Wildlife rescue is hard work, and direct animal care is not guaranteed. But every volunteer plays a crucial role in saving seals – whether cleaning, educating, or supporting staff! In our directory of rescue centers the Seal Signal provides links to their volunteer opportunities if you click on a facility.
Education and action are key to seal conservation. By spreading the word, sharing vital information, and encouraging responsible behavior around seals, you can help rescue centers prevent harm before it happens.
Spread Awareness About Seal Conservation
Many people don’t realize how fragile seal populations can be or the threats they face. Help by:
- Sharing educational content on social media.
- Talking to friends and family about rescue efforts and conservation campaigns.
- Supporting organizations that advocate for marine protection.
Share Calls to Action from Conservation Groups
Seal rescue centers and wildlife organizations often post urgent alerts about endangered seals populations, environmental risks, and needed action.
- Follow and share updates from trusted marine conservation groups.
- Amplify fundraising campaigns and petition drives.
- Stay informed about seal welfare policies in your region.
Prevent Harm: Responsible Behavior Around Seals
The best way to protect seals is to ensure they aren’t put in danger in the first place.
- Know how to act if you spot a sick, injured, or stranded seal.
- Follow the guidelines for respectful seal watching to avoid stress or harm.
- Teach others about proper wildlife etiquette.
📣 Even a single social media share can help a rescue center reach more donors and volunteers, or educate persons who might involuntarily distress wildlife. We’ll share calls to action and guidelines on the Seal Signal’s social media, too!