National Marine Centre

Fingal County Council have not allotted the promised funds in this round of the budget for the development of the National Marine Center. However they have said that, as they are doing a rolling budget for this year, the money has not been completely lost. However we need the support of the public if we are going to get this Centre up and running. The Irish Seal Sanctuary are to submit a presentation to the councillors in the coming weeks to clarify our objectives.

We need the public, especially those in the Fingal area, to contact their local representatives and voice their concerns at the delay and possible cancellation of the development of the National Marine Centre.

People Power really does work so please get tying or scribbling and join us in our fight for the National Marine Centre.

Thanks guys,
Katie.

Bebo

Expand your Network... Check out our new Bebo page!

Some of our new residents

Usually things start to get quiet around this time of year for the volunteers at the Sanctuary. Not so this year. In fact we are operating at almost full capacity and have admitted 7 new seals in the last 10 days. They range in type from quite large and healthy (like Tiny Tim-top photo) to miniature (Lucky-bottom photo). Some still even have their white coats. We are not quite sure why there are so many little seals in need of our help at this time of year but we are more than happy to give them a helping hand in life. May I also extend our gratitude to members of the public who have brought these seals to our attention and taken time out to telephone us and to wait with the seals until we reach them. You restore our faith in humanity!

Katie.

FUNDRAISING

As you know the Irish Seal Sanctuary is in desperate need of funds to continue its work. We have lots of ways that YOU can help-

1. ***Coming Soon*** Adopt one of our baby seals

2. Set up a Standing Order and be a continual supporter of the Irish Seal Sanctuary:
Our bank details are as follows

Bank of Ireland,
Ashbourne,
Co. Meath,
Ireland
Sort Code: 90-31-89
Account No.: 70291982

(If your yearly donation equals or exceeds 250 euros you are eligible for tax relief!)

3. You can also become a member of the Irish Seal Sanctuary (see our web page for details)

There are dozens of ways YOU can help us raise funds. If you have an idea of your own please let us know!

Cheers!

Katie.

Sonny's Release

Happy New Year everybody!

Today was a big day for Sonny. Sonny came into us here at the Sanctuary about 2 and a half months ago and has had a really rough time. He had to have two operations on one of his flippers in order to remove infected bone. He was in dreadful form for weeks on end due to the pain he experienced.

However...he is now fit and well and was released this morning on the beach in Balbriggan. He couldn't wait to get out into the water and swam as fast as he could out to sea. A large crowd gathered for the event and there was much excitement as Sonny made his way out into the ocean, back to where he belongs. Good Luck for 2009 Sonny-stay safe!

A big thank you to everyone who came along this morning for the release and for showing their support to the Irish Seal Sanctuary.

I am attaching a couple of photos of the release for those of you who were unable to be there.

Best Wishes for 2009.

Katie.

ISS Table Quiz

As many of you know we held the ISS Christmas table quiz in Gormley's of Garristown last night. There was a great turnout and a great night was had by all. We really appreciate the support of all the people who turned up and took part. We also extend our appreication to Stena Line, Iarnrod Eireann, Dublin Zoo and Terry McCoy of the Red Bank in Skerries for donating the prizes. We don't have a final figure for our fundraising efforts as we still have to tot it all up but we think it will be pretty impressive. Thank you everybody and we hope to see you all soon at our other fundraising events!

Katie.

Bobby

Bobby is up in the big pool now and doing really well. Here is a picture of her beautiful little self when she first came in...