World’s most endangered seal least well known. Recovery programs not well funded. New hospital needed for Mediterranean monk seal pups. Visitor center to inform public.
This year I got a special treat for Christmas. In December I traveled to Greece and had the privilege of meeting Viktoria, a monk seal pup that was rescued in October and is now nearly ready to be released. It was such fun to see a healthy young seal and know that she was going back to the wild.
And the staff of MOm has done an amazing job, given the hospital they have in which to care for pups. Having been in use for many years, the building is small and cramped and desperately in need of repair. The pool and pen area is just barely enough for a big healthy pup of Viktoria’s age.
So, MOm is now struggling to find the money to buy a piece of land and build a better hospital. The hospital will also serve as education center so more people will learn about this fascinating ancient species.
I am only too well aware that there are thousands of important wildlife conservation programs that need funding. But the Mediterranean monk seal is one of the most endangered species on the planet and its recovery is one of the least well funded.
Perhaps it is because so few people even know the monk seal exists. There are no Mediterranean monk seals in zoos or aquariums. I am hoping that the footage of the birth of a pup and the interactions between the pup and the mother in the cave will spark some interest.
It would be great to know that we had done our best for this species, one that we’ve shared the planet with for thousands of years.
