Guernsey's animal shelter prepares for injured wildlife from Storm Goretti

Wednesday, 7 January 2026 06:45

Avalanche is the latest seal pup to be rescued by the GSCPA. She was found alone at Grande Rocque on Sunday (4 January), at half her ideal body weight for her age, at just 20kgs.

The GSPCA is already short of space, with kennels and aviaries turned into temporary pens for sick seals, and the impending storm could mean even more wildlife needing help.

Storm Goretti is due to hit the Channel Islands and the north of France tomorrow evening (8 January).

The Met is predicting heavy rain and storm force 10 winds, with gusts up to 90mph after sunset.

The GSCPA says this will inevitably result in some injured wildlife, and they expect calls in the days after when people go back into nature.

Four underweight seal pups are already in the shelter, with kennels and aviaries being used as temporary pens with paddling pools for sick seals.

GSPCA manager Steve Byrne has this advice for islanders who may spot lone seal pups once the storm has passed:

"Don't put yourself at risk, don't go and approach the animals, give us a call, send us some photos.

"We don't want people putting themselves in harm's way, and really we wouldn't want the mums being scared off if they are still in the area and able to care for them, because really we don't want any more seals if we can help it."

There will be more space for seals once the GSPCA’s multi-million-pound redevelopment is completed.

Bailiwick Law Enforcement have also shared a safety warning about the incoming Storm Goretti.