RSPCA West Hatch Wildlife Centre

RSPCA West Hatch Wildlife Centre is a leading wildlife rehabilitation facility located in Somerset, England. While the center cares for a wide range of native British wildlife, it plays a particularly important role in the rescue and rehabilitation of seals found along the southwest coast. The center originally opened in 1963 as a rescue facility for unwanted companion animals, and expanded into wildlife rehabilitation with the opening of the Wildlife Hospital in 1993.

West Hatch specializes in treating grey and harbor seal pups that are orphaned, injured, or stranded due to storms, illness, or human-related impacts. The center’s dedicated seal unit provides veterinary care, nutritional support, and a safe environment for recovery. Once the pups are strong enough, they are moved to outdoor pools to build strength and prepare for release back into the wild.

The facility is equipped with modern treatment areas and staffed by experienced wildlife rehabilitators and veterinary professionals. Though not open to the public in the same way as some visitor centers, West Hatch shares its work through media, educational outreach, and collaborations with local rescue networks and coastal communities.

As part of the broader RSPCA network, West Hatch contributes vital data and expertise to national efforts in marine mammal welfare, while maintaining its own distinct role in safeguarding seals along England’s southwestern shores.