Aroha Seal Sanctuary

Aroha Seal Sanctuary was founded in 2024 in response to a long‑standing gap in rescue provision on the remote Scottish Western Isles. Until then, any seal pup found in need of help had to be transported to a mainland rehabilitation center, often involving multiple ferries and long travel times. For many pups, the journey itself posed too great a risk, limiting the chances of successful rescue.

Aroha was established to provide immediate, local care. A small volunteer team, including trained BDMLR medics, now offers temporary shelter, intensive care and stabilization (often meaning around-the-clock support) for pups directly on the Outer Hebrides. During the busy grey seal and harbor seal pupping seasons, rescued pups typically stay at the sanctuary for one to five days, until they are strong enough to be transferred to a long‑term rehabilitation facility. The team received its seal‑care training at Caithness Seal Rehab and Release.

In addition to emergency care, Aroha provides educational talks for the local community. As a registered charity, the sanctuary aims to expand its facilities – including building pool space – so that straightforward rehabilitation cases can remain on the Western Isles for their full recovery, avoiding the need for transport to the mainland.