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Damen has released a rescued seal. Seal sanctuary A Seal Stellendam had invited Damen Naval and Damen Yachting to participate in the release of three seals as a thank you for the sponsorship for the coming year. Peggy op ‘t Hof from PR & Communications represented Damen on Saturday 5 March 2022 to release the seal, which was called Happy. “It was fun, great, super and fantastic,” said an enthusiastic Peggy. “It was really very special to be a part of.”
During a special ceremony, three rescued seals were released back into the wild on the beach at Stellendam.
Happy was found on 6 January 2022 near Vrouwenpolder and was admitted to the shelter with lung worms. This disease is common among young seals. The worms create small holes in the lungs, which makes it harder for the seal to stay underwater to catch fish, which therefore causes weight loss. When Happy arrived at the sanctuary, he weighed 19 kilos; on release he weighed 30 kilos.
“During my visit to Stellendam, I noticed how grateful they are for the support they receive from all the sponsors. As a company, we should be proud that we contribute to the work of A Seal.” Peggy op 't Hof
Peggy op ’t Hof from PR & Communications, Damen Naval.
During a special ceremony, three rescued seals were released back into the wild on the beach at Stellendam. Peggy was allowed to open the basket containing Happy. The three seals stayed on the beach for a short period to get their bearings, before disappearing into the water. “A lot of people had come to watch,” says Peggy. “It made me feel very proud that I could be involved. It was so nice to release Happy after his illness and bring him back to the sea.”
A Seal Stellendam has been taking in sick and injured seals found between Cadzand and IJmuiden since 2014. More than a thousand seals live in this area, mainly the Common Seal and the Grey Seal, although A Seal also rescues vagrant species as the Ringed Seal, Harp Seal, or the Hooded Seal. Since it rescued Seal #1 on 31 July 2014, A Seal has already taken in more than 1,035 seals and released the majority of them. Upon registration at the shelter, the seals receive a yellow tag, which allows them to be identified in the future.
The three seals stayed on the beach for a short period to get their bearings, before disappearing into the water.
A Seal is dependent on donations, sponsorships, and gifts, such as the contribution from Damen Naval and Damen Yachting. Peggy: “During my visit to Stellendam, I noticed how grateful they are for the support they receive from all the sponsors. As a company, we should be proud that we contribute to the work of A Seal. It really was an unforgettable experience.”