Seal pups being cared for at a special Tyneside-based rescue hospital have been filmed for an episode of the popular children's show Blue Peter.
Presenter Adam Beales – better known as Adam B – and a film crew spent a day last week at Tynemouth Seal Hospital filming rescue seals Haggis, Toast and Omelette.
Adam was joined by the hospital’s volunteer staff as he helped feed Haggis, took part in a health check on Toast - who is under close observation and treatment after being rescued suffering from a severe case of lungworm - and also helped care for newcomer Omelette, who was brought in last week with an eye infection.
Read more: Rescued Tynemouth seal pups Porridge and Waffles set to be released back into the wild
Tynemouth Seal Hospital manager Richard Ilderton said everyone was delighted to welcome Adam and the Blue Peter team to the seal hospital, which is based at Tynemouth Aquarium overlooking the North Tyneside coastal village’s award-winning Longsands Beach. He said: “It was great to have the Blue Peter team in to see what we do in Tynemouth Seal Hospital, and also see some of the displays at Tynemouth Aquarium while they were here.
“Adam did a wonderful job getting stuck in and helping with the care of Haggis, Omelette and especially Toast, who he got extra close to. The team were lucky enough to get out to see seals and dolphins in the wild before coming to us at the hospital, so were able to see where our patients can end up once they are released.
“As a new charity caring for injured and unwell seals, we were really lucky to have them along to see us and spread the word about what we do, and also how their viewers can help keep marine wildlife safe.”
He added: “We are all looking forward to tuning in on CBBC on Friday at 5pm to see Adam in his wellies and waders!”
Tynemouth Seal Hospital is currently looking after four seals – all named by volunteers after breakfast foods. Haggis was originally cared for by Blyth Wildlife Rescue after being found underweight and with an infected and fractured flipper, before being moved to the hospital some weeks ago.
Since then Haggis’ weight has passed the 30kg mark and with his flipper healing he will soon be released back into the wild. Omelette and Toast have both been welcomed in the past week and have since Blue Peter’s visit now been joined by Marmalade, who is underweight and suffering from a respiratory issue.
Viewers can see how Adam got on when the feature airs on Blue Peter on April 1 at 5pm on CBBC.
