Aquarium de Biarritz

Founded as part of the Biarritz Aquarium’s broader conservation efforts, the Centre de soins pour phoques gris (care center for grey seals) plays a vital role in marine wildlife rescue along the Atlantic coast. Each winter, powerful storms separate young grey seal pups – often just weeks old – from their colonies in Brittany, England, or Ireland. Exhausted and vulnerable, these pups wash up on beaches along the Basque coast, sometimes injured by dogs or contaminated by parasites.

The center typically treats between 2 and 6 seals annually. Upon arrival, each animal is given time to rest before undergoing a full health assessment. Treatments may include wound care, tailored feeding plans, and parasite control. The goal is always rehabilitation and release: once a seal regains strength and meets health criteria validated by the DDPP (Direction Départementale de la Protection des Populations), it is tagged and transported to Brittany for release near its original colony.

To ensure successful reintegration into the wild, human interaction is kept to a minimum. This approach helps preserve the seals’ natural behaviors and survival instincts. Notably, a portion of every aquarium ticket directly supports the center’s rescue and rehabilitation efforts.